Spinach Stuffed Shells
Indulge in the rich flavors of Spinach Stuffed Shells, where tender pasta shells embrace a creamy blend of fresh spinach and ricotta cheese, all drizzled with savory marinara sauce. This dish not only warms the heart but also brings family together for memorable mealtimes. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, these delightful stuffed shells are sure to impress with their vibrant colors and mouthwatering aroma.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 large pasta shells
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Boil water in a large pot; add salt and cook pasta shells until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté fresh spinach until wilted (about 3-4 minutes).
- In a mixing bowl, combine cooked spinach, ricotta cheese, half the mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Carefully stuff each shell with about two tablespoons of the filling and place seam-side up in a greased baking dish.
- Pour marinara sauce over stuffed shells and sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 stuffed shells (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Substitute spinach with kale for a different flavor profile. For added creaminess, mix in some cream cheese with the ricotta. To prevent sticking, drizzle cooked shells with olive oil before stuffing.