Stuffed Spinach and Cheese Shells
Delicious jumbo pasta shells stuffed with a creamy spinach and cheese filling, topped with marinara sauce.
Equipment
- 9x13-inch casserole dish For baking the stuffed shells.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 18 pieces jumbo pasta shells
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups spinach
- 15 ounces Ricotta cheese
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 3 cups mozzarella cheese shredded and divided
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- 1 pieces egg
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 1 bunch fresh parsley to garnish
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon dried basil
- 0.5 teaspoon dried parsley
- 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Boil the pasta shells in salted water for 1 minute less than al dente, approximately 13 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside. (Tip: Rinsing with cold water will stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together.)
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté garlic for 1 minute. Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 3 minutes. Set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, salt, pepper, basil, parsley, oregano, half of the mozzarella, and most of the Parmesan cheese. Reserve some Parmesan for topping. Add cream cheese and egg, mix well. Fold in the cooled spinach and garlic. (Tip: Make sure the spinach is cooled to avoid cooking the egg when mixed.)
- Spread half of the marinara sauce in a 9x13-inch casserole dish. Fill each pasta shell with the cheese mixture and place in the dish.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells. Top with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Cover and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden. (Tip: For a crispy cheese topping, broil for the last 2-3 minutes.)
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with Garlic Bread with Cheese! (Tip: A side salad pairs wonderfully with this dish for a complete meal.)
Notes
For a meaty variation, consider adding cooked ground beef or turkey to the cheese mixture. No alcoholic drinks allowed, please substitute with a non-alcoholic option.