Easy Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells are a delicious and comforting dish that brings a taste of Italy right to your dinner table. This recipe combines jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy, cheesy spinach mixture, topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella. The flavors blend beautifully, offering a hearty meal that’s perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or meal prepping for the week ahead. Not only is this dish satisfying and flavorful, but it’s also a great way to add some greens to your meal. With a bit of preparation, you’ll have a warm, cheesy dish that everyone will love.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving: 350
Protein: 18 grams
Carbohydrates: 40 grams
Fat: 16 grams
Fiber: 3 grams
Sugar: 4 grams
Sodium: 600 mg

Why Make This Easy Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells

This dish is not only visually appealing with its vibrant colors and cheesy goodness, but it’s packed with nutrients too! Fresh spinach adds a pop of color along with beneficial vitamins and minerals. The combination of cheeses provides rich, creamy textures that contrast beautifully with the lightness of the spinach. Plus, it’s versatile for various dietary needs—consider substituting the cheeses or using gluten-free shells for alternative diets. Making Easy Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells is a delightful way to impress your family and friends with minimal effort.

How to Make Easy Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Preparation

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the shells will cook evenly and the cheese will melt to perfection.

Step 2: Cooking the Pasta

Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until they reach al dente—firm but cooked through. Drain and set them aside, allowing them to cool slightly. This prevents burning your fingers when you’re ready to stuff them!

Step 3: Mixing the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and the beaten egg. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Make sure everything is well-mixed, allowing the flavors to blend together.

Step 4: Stuffing the Shells

Stuff each cooked shell with the spinach mixture, making sure not to overfill them so they won’t burst in the oven. Spread a small amount of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking. Place the stuffed shells seam-side up in the dish.

Step 5: Baking the Dish

Once the shells are in place, pour the remaining marinara sauce over them and sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella on top. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to bubble and turn golden brown.

Step 6: Cooling and Serving

Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes after baking to let the cheese set up a bit. This makes it easier to serve up those gooey, cheesy shells!

How to Serve Easy Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells

These stuffed shells pair wonderfully with a side salad or some crusty garlic bread. Drizzle a little extra marinara over the top just before serving for added flavor and a touch of elegance. For a sprinkle of freshness, consider garnishing with fresh basil or parsley.

How to Store Easy Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells

Leftover Easy Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also freeze these shells before baking by wrapping them tightly in foil; they’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Just add a few extra baking minutes if reheating from frozen.

Expert Tips for Perfect Easy Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells

Cook Pasta Wisely: Aim for al dente pasta as it will hold better during baking.
Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like feta for a tangy twist or goat cheese for a creamier texture.
Don’t Skimp on Seasoning: Properly season your filling to enhance flavor.
Add Protein: Consider adding cooked sausage or chicken to the filling for a heartier meal.
Taste Test: Sample your filling before stuffing to adjust seasoning to your preference.

Delicious Variations

Vegan Option: Substitute ricotta with cashew cheese or tofu and use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free jumbo shells to cater to those with dietary restrictions.
Meat Lovers: Incorporate cooked ground meat into the spinach mixture for extra substance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Yes, you can make the filling up to a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just stuff the shells before baking.
What if I can’t find jumbo shells?
If jumbo shells are unavailable, use manicotti pasta or even cannelloni tubes for a similar stuffed effect.
Is there a way to make it less cheesy?
Absolutely! You can reduce the amount of cheese or substitute with extra spinach or vegetables for a lighter dish.
Can this be made in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the entire dish a day ahead and just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Is there a spicy version of this dish?
Certainly! Adding some red pepper flakes or jalapeños to the filling can give those stuffed shells a delightful kick.

Conclusion

Easy Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells are a comforting and satisfying dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. With their cheesy filling and savory marinara sauce, these shells offer a hearty meal with hidden vegetables that everyone will enjoy. Perfect for a casual dinner or a special gathering, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also a versatile option that you can customize to your taste. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy this delightful, cheesy masterpiece! Happy cooking!

Easy Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells

Author: jessica
Total Time: 55
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delicious jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy, cheesy spinach mixture, topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella.

Ingredients

Scale

12 jumbo pasta shells
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg, beaten
2 cups marinara sauce
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and cool.
In a bowl, combine spinach, ricotta, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Stuff each shell with the spinach mixture and place in a baking dish with some marinara sauce.
Pour remaining marinara over shells and top with remaining mozzarella. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

These stuffed shells can be customized with different cheeses or added protein. Leftovers can be stored for up to 3 days in the refrigerator or frozen for up to 2 months.

Prep Time: 20
Cook Time: 35
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 35mg