Go Back
For Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells, gather these tasty ingredients: - 20 jumbo pasta shells - 2 cups fresh spinach, finely chopped - 1 cup creamy ricotta cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided) - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - 2 cups rich marinara sauce - Fresh basil leaves for garnish These ingredients blend well to create a rich and cheesy filling. The spinach adds color and nutrition, while the cheeses provide a creamy texture. The spices like garlic and onion powder enhance the flavors. Using fresh basil as a garnish makes the dish look beautiful and bright. For the complete recipe and instructions, check the Full Recipe. First, we need to get the oven ready. Preheat it to 375°F (190°C). This step ensures your stuffed shells cook evenly. Next, take a large pot and fill it with salted water. Bring the water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook them until they are al dente. Follow the package instructions for the right time. Once done, drain the shells and let them cool for a bit. Now, let’s make the filling. In a mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, the large egg, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir this mixture until it is smooth and creamy. Now for the fun part—filling the pasta shells! Use a spoon or a piping bag to fill each shell with the cheesy spinach mixture. Pack it in gently, but make sure it’s full. Grab a large baking dish. Spread half of the marinara sauce evenly at the bottom. This creates a tasty base. Carefully place the filled shells in a single layer over the sauce. Make sure they don’t touch to cook evenly. Once they are all lined up, pour the rest of the marinara sauce over the shells. Finally, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top. This will give it a gooey finish. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This helps keep the cheese from burning. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After that, take off the foil and bake for another 10 minutes. You want the cheese to bubble and turn a lovely golden brown. When it’s ready, take the dish out of the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes. Just before serving, add fresh basil leaves on top for color and flavor. For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions provided. To avoid tearing the shells, cook them just until al dente. This keeps them firm. After cooking, let them cool slightly before you fill them. For easy filling, use a spoon or a piping bag. This way, you can pack the filling in gently without breaking the shells. To boost flavor, add spices like Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil also work well. If you want a twist, try different cheeses. Cottage cheese or goat cheese can add a new taste to the dish. Bake the stuffed shells at 375°F (190°C). This temperature helps melt the cheese without burning it. If you want to make this dish ahead, you can freeze it before baking. Just remember to cover it well. When ready, bake it straight from the freezer, adding extra time to the cooking. {{image_4}} You can change up the filling to match your taste. Add ground meat like chicken or turkey for a heartier dish. If you prefer veggies, consider mushrooms or bell peppers for more flavor. For a vegan twist, swap the ricotta cheese for a mix of blended tofu and nutritional yeast. This keeps the creamy texture while adding great taste. The sauce can transform this dish. Instead of marinara, try pesto for a fresh burst of flavor. You can also make a creamy sauce with Alfredo or a white sauce. These options create a rich, comforting meal. Tomato-based sauces work well, but creamy sauces add a nice twist. For sides, a fresh salad pairs well with these cheesy stuffed shells. You might also enjoy garlic bread to soak up all that sauce. When plating, use a large dish and pour extra marinara on top. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color. This makes your meal look as good as it tastes! To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container. Make sure the shells are cool before sealing. Store the container in the refrigerator. They will last up to three days. For freezing, transfer the stuffed shells to a freezer-safe dish. Cover them tightly with plastic wrap and foil. They can freeze for up to three months. This way, you can enjoy them later! When reheating, use the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the stuffed shells in a baking dish. Add a splash of marinara sauce to keep them moist. Cover with foil and heat for about 20 minutes. If using a microwave, heat them in 1-minute intervals. Check to ensure they are hot throughout. This helps maintain the texture and flavor. The typical shelf life for cooked cheesy spinach stuffed shells is three to five days in the fridge. Always check for signs of spoilage. If you see any mold or if they smell off, throw them away. Freshness is key for great taste. Enjoy your delicious meal while it's at its best! For the Full Recipe, visit the recipe section above. Yes, you can use regular pasta shells. However, they may hold less filling. Jumbo shells give you more room for the cheesy goodness. If using regular shells, be gentle when filling them to prevent tearing. To stop the filling from leaking, pack it tightly into the shells. Also, do not overfill them. Make sure to cover the dish with foil while baking to keep moisture in. This will help the filling stay put. Yes, you can prepare the stuffed shells in advance. Assemble them and store in the fridge for up to a day. When you're ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if they are cold. You can use cottage cheese or cream cheese as a substitute for ricotta. Both options provide a creamy texture. You can also try vegan cream cheese if you prefer a dairy-free option. To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta shells. There are many brands available now that taste great. Just check the package and follow the cooking instructions carefully. In this article, I shared a detailed guide on making stuffed pasta shells. We covered ingredients, preparation steps, and baking methods. I offered tips for perfect shells and suggested variations to suit your taste. Remember, the key to great stuffed shells is the right balance of flavors and textures. Enjoy experimenting with your creations, and don't hesitate to make it your own. Happy cooking!

Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells

Indulge in a delicious dinner with these Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells! Perfectly cooked jumbo pasta shells bursting with creamy ricotta, fresh spinach, and gooey mozzarella will delight your taste buds. This easy recipe includes simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions for a comforting meal. Ready to impress your family? Click through to discover how to make these irresistible cheesy stuffed shells today!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

20 jumbo pasta shells

2 cups fresh spinach, finely chopped

1 cup creamy ricotta cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 large egg

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

2 cups rich marinara sauce

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until they are al dente, then drain and set aside to cool slightly.

      In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until well blended and creamy.

        Using a spoon or a piping bag, carefully fill each cooked pasta shell with the cheesy spinach filling, packing it generously but gently.

          Spread half of the marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a large baking dish to create a flavorful base. Arrange the filled shells in a single layer over the sauce, ensuring they do not touch each other for even cooking.

            Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, then sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese evenly on top for a gooey finish.

              Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from burning. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After that, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling with a delightful golden brown color.

                Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven. Just before serving, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 min | 50 min | Serves 4-6

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the stuffed shells on a large platter, drizzled with a bit of additional marinara sauce and scattered with extra basil leaves for an inviting presentation.