Cheese-Filled Pasta Shells
Cheese-filled pasta shells baked in a rich tomato sauce, featuring creamy ricotta, Parmesan, spinach, and melted mozzarella—perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the manicotti shells according to the package instructions.
- Drain the shells and combine ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped spinach.
- Fill each shell with the cheese mixture.
- Place the filled shells in a single layer in a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Combine tomato paste with two cans of water to make the sauce.
- Pour the tomato sauce over and around the shells.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier filling, consider adding a beaten egg to the ricotta mixture. You can also substitute the spinach with kale or sautéed mushrooms for a different flavor. If you're short on time, use store-bought marinara sauce instead of making your own with tomato paste. This dish can easily be made vegetarian by ensuring all ingredients are meat-free.
Serving Suggestions
These cheese-filled pasta shells pair beautifully with a fresh garden salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. You can also serve them alongside a light tomato salad or roasted vegetables. A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top adds a nice touch and enhances the dish's flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheese-Filled Pasta Shells contains roughly 262 calories, with 20g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (39% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (38% of the Daily Value), and calcium (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 484mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filled shells a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just pour the sauce over before baking. This allows the flavors to meld, making for an even tastier dish when baked.
What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
If you don't have ricotta cheese, cottage cheese can be a great substitute. Blend it until smooth for a similar texture. Additionally, vegan ricotta made from blended tofu or cashews can be used for a dairy-free option.
How do I prevent the shells from sticking together?
To prevent sticking, make sure to cook the shells just until al dente and rinse them with cold water after draining. Tossing them lightly in olive oil can also help keep them separate until you're ready to fill and bake them.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).