![To make cheesy spinach stuffed shells, gather these key ingredients: - 20 jumbo pasta shells - 2 cups ricotta cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped - 1 egg - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 cups marinara sauce - Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional) These ingredients create a creamy and flavorful filling. The combination of cheeses brings richness, while fresh spinach adds a nice touch of color and nutrients. Feel free to customize your dish with these optional ingredients: - Additional seasonings like red pepper flakes for some heat - Veggie add-ins such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for more texture - Protein options like cooked ground beef, chicken, or turkey for a heartier meal By mixing in these optional ingredients, you can tailor the dish to your taste. Each addition enhances the flavor and makes the stuffed shells even more delightful. If you want to try out this tasty dish, you can find the full recipe above. To start, I cook the jumbo pasta shells. Bring water to a boil in a large pot. Add the shells and cook until they are al dente. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes. Drain them carefully and set them aside on a clean towel to cool. Next, I sauté the spinach. I heat a bit of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. I add minced garlic and chopped spinach. I stir it for about 3-4 minutes until the spinach wilts. Then, I take it off the heat and let it cool a bit. Now, I mix the filling. In a large bowl, I combine the ricotta cheese with half of the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan cheese. Then, I add the cooked spinach, an egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. I mix it all until it is well combined. This filling is rich and creamy, perfect for the shells. For assembly, I spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. I usually use about 1/2 cup of sauce. Then, I stuff each shell with the cheese and spinach mix. I place them seam-side up in the dish. Once all shells are stuffed, I pour the remaining marinara sauce over them. I finish by sprinkling the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. For baking, I cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake it in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. After that, I remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes. This step helps the cheese get bubbly and golden. Once done, I let it cool for a few minutes before serving. It looks and smells amazing! If you want, you can garnish it with fresh basil leaves for a touch of color. For the full recipe, check out the details above! - Cooking pasta shells al dente: Cook your pasta shells until they are slightly firm. This way, they won't fall apart when you stuff them. Follow the package directions for timing. Usually, it’s about 10-12 minutes. Rinse them with cold water after cooking. This stops the cooking process and helps keep them firm. - Ensuring even stuffing: Use a small spoon or a piping bag to fill each shell. This method helps you place the filling inside without making a mess. Stuff each shell generously, but don’t overfill. It’s okay if some filling spills out during baking. The melted cheese will cover it! - Dairy-free options: For a dairy-free version, swap the ricotta cheese with a plant-based alternative. You can use tofu blended with nutritional yeast for a creamy texture. Also, use dairy-free mozzarella for the topping. - Gluten-free pasta alternatives: If you need gluten-free pasta, look for jumbo shells made from rice or corn. They work well and taste great. Always check the package for cooking times, as they can differ from regular pasta. - Adding herbs and spices: Fresh or dried herbs can boost flavor. Try adding chopped parsley or basil to the filling. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick. You can also mix in some lemon zest for a bright taste. - Serving suggestions: Serve your Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells with a simple salad. A light vinaigrette pairs well with the rich flavors. Garlic bread is also a great side. It helps soak up the extra marinara sauce. For the complete recipe, check the [Full Recipe]. {{image_2}} You can easily add meat to your cheesy spinach stuffed shells. Ground meat, like beef or pork, gives great flavor. Cook the meat in a skillet before mixing it into the cheese and spinach filling. This adds a hearty touch to the dish. Chicken or turkey also works well. You can shred cooked chicken or turkey and fold it into the cheese mix. This gives you a lighter option without losing taste. You can change up the veggies in this dish. Adding mushrooms or bell peppers adds texture and flavor. Chop them finely and sauté them with the spinach. This step helps soften the veggies and blend their flavors well. You can also use different greens. Kale or Swiss chard can replace spinach for a new taste. Just remember to chop them small and cook until wilted. This keeps the filling light and flavorful. Cheese is key to this recipe. You can explore different cheese types for unique flavors. Try using goat cheese for a tangy twist. Cream cheese can also add a rich texture to your filling. If you want a dairy-free option, vegan cheese alternatives work too. Look for brands that melt well. This way, you can enjoy the cheesy goodness without dairy. For the full recipe, please check the [Full Recipe]. To keep your cheesy spinach stuffed shells fresh, use an airtight container. This prevents moisture loss and keeps flavors intact. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to let the dish cool down before sealing it. Store your leftovers in the fridge. They can last up to three days. You can also freeze your stuffed shells for later. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about one hour. This helps them hold their shape. After freezing, transfer the shells to a freezer-safe bag. Label the bag with the date. They can stay frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, take them out of the freezer. Thaw them overnight in the fridge. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 30 minutes. Cover them with foil to keep them moist. Enjoy your meal just like the first time! Can I use different pasta shapes? Yes, you can use other pasta shapes. Shells hold the filling well. You can try manicotti or even large rigatoni. Just ensure they are big enough to stuff. How do I make this recipe ahead of time? You can prepare the filling in advance. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. You can also assemble the dish ahead, cover it, and bake it when ready. Baking time may need adjustment. What to serve with Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells? These stuffed shells pair well with a fresh salad. A simple green salad with vinaigrette works great. Garlic bread or a side of steamed veggies also complements the dish nicely. Can I use homemade marinara sauce? Absolutely! Homemade marinara sauce adds a personal touch. Just ensure it has a good balance of flavors to enhance the shells. Caloric content and serving size Each serving of Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells has about 400 calories. This makes it a filling and satisfying meal without being too heavy. Health benefits of ingredients Spinach is rich in vitamins A and K. It also provides iron, which is great for your blood. The cheeses add protein and calcium, helping to build strong bones. This blog post covered everything you need for Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells. We started with the main ingredients and shared tips for making the best filling. The step-by-step guide helped you assemble and bake this delicious dish. Variations let you get creative, and storage advice keeps leftovers fresh. Now, you’re ready to enjoy a comforting meal. Remember, experimenting is part of cooking. Enjoy each bite and feel proud of your work!](https://southerndishes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/6f7e4d7e-4c9d-461a-abc3-4d434954cfae-250x250.webp)
Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells
Indulge in the deliciousness of Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells, a perfect dish for your next family dinner! This easy recipe combines jumbo pasta shells with a creamy ricotta filling and fresh spinach, all topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese. Ready in just under an hour, it's a satisfying meal everyone will love. Click to explore the recipe and bring this delightful dish to your table tonight!