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Spinach Cheese Stuffed Shells

Irresistible Spinach Cheese Stuffed Shells You’ll Crave Tonight

Spinach Cheese Stuffed Shells blend creamy cheese and fresh spinach for a comforting meal that's easy to prepare.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Filling
  • 2 cups fresh spinach wilt and squeeze out excess moisture
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg acts as a binder
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
For the Pasta and Sauce
  • 12 oz jumbo pasta shells high-quality shells
  • 2 cups marinara sauce store-bought or homemade
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for drizzling
Optional Garnishes
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley chopped
  • 1 cup extra mozzarella for topping

Equipment

  • baking dish

Method
 

How to Make Spinach Cheese Stuffed Shells
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
  2. Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil over medium heat, add spinach, cook until bright green and tender (about 2–3 minutes), then cool and squeeze out excess moisture.
  3. Combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl, stirring until fluffy and uniform.
  4. Fill each shell with about 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture, packing gently.
  5. Arrange half the marinara in the bottom of your dish, place filled shells seam-side up, then spoon remaining sauce over the top.
  6. Drizzle olive oil over shells and sprinkle extra mozzarella on top.
  7. Bake uncovered at 375°F for 25–30 minutes until sauce bubbles and cheese turns golden brown.
  8. Garnish with chopped fresh basil if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1shellCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1800IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Drain spinach thoroughly and do not overcook pasta to keep shells intact.

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