Florentine Stuffed Shells
Florentine Stuffed Shells combine tender jumbo pasta shells with a creamy Swiss cheese sauce, savory Italian sausage, and fresh spinach, making a hearty, cheesy dish perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 2-quart saucepan, stir together cornstarch and 1 teaspoon salt.
- Gradually stir in milk until smooth.
- Add margarine, stirring constantly.
- Bring to boil over medium heat and boil 1 minute.
- Remove 1 cup sauce and set aside.
- Stir Swiss cheese into remaining sauce until melted.
- Cook sweet Italian sausage until browned.
- Cook jumbo shells in boiling salted water until al dente, then drain.
- Sauté onion until translucent.
- Mix cooked sausage, sautéed onion, pepper, and spinach.
- Stuff cooked shells with sausage mixture.
- Place stuffed shells in a baking dish.
- Pour remaining sauce over shells.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter option, consider using turkey sausage instead of sweet Italian sausage. You can also substitute ricotta cheese for Swiss cheese for a creamier filling. Adding a pinch of nutmeg to the spinach mixture enhances the flavor. If you prefer a bit of heat, try adding red pepper flakes. Make sure to cook the jumbo shells al dente to prevent them from becoming too soft when baked.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Florentine stuffed shells with a side salad dressed in a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread is an excellent accompaniment to soak up the delicious sauce. This dish also pairs beautifully with Chicken Picata or any Italian recipes for a complete Italian-themed dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Florentine stuffed shells can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the shells in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, ensuring they are heated thoroughly before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Florentine Stuffed Shells contains roughly 42 calories, with 2g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 539mg per serving (23% 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 the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sausage and spinach filling a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, and when ready to use, simply stuff the shells and continue with the recipe as directed. This can save time on busy weeknights.
What can I use instead of jumbo shells?
If you can't find jumbo shells, you can use manicotti tubes or even large pasta shells, which also work well for stuffing. Just ensure they are adequately cooked so they hold up during baking.
Can I freeze the stuffed shells?
Absolutely! You can freeze the stuffed shells before baking. Assemble them in a baking dish, cover with sauce, and wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and follow the baking instructions.
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).