Jumbo Pasta Shells
Jumbo Pasta Shells are a hearty, cheesy dish featuring large pasta shells stuffed with a creamy ricotta and spinach filling, baked in savory spaghetti sauce. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it offers a comforting blend of flavors and textures that satisfy all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells in boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, eggs, salt, and garlic salt until well blended.
- Fill each cooked shell with the ricotta and spinach mixture.
- Spread a layer of spaghetti sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Arrange the stuffed shells in the baking dish over the sauce.
- Pour remaining spaghetti sauce over the shells.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce and shells.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 40 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Remove from oven, let cool slightly, then serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor boost, consider adding herbs like basil or oregano to the ricotta mixture. If you don’t have spinach, kale or Swiss chard can be great substitutes. To lighten the dish, use part-skim ricotta and mozzarella. Make sure not to overcook the shells; they should be slightly firm to hold the filling without breaking, similar to the preparation for Stuffed Shells Florentine.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the baked jumbo pasta shells with a fresh side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top enhances the flavor. These shells pair beautifully with Italian recipes like Vegetable Lasagna or Manicotti Casserole for a comforting feast. For a lighter option, consider a side of steamed vegetables.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover stuffed shells can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying out, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jumbo Pasta Shells contains roughly 2075 calories, with 51g protein, 293g carbohydrates, and 82g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (105% of the Daily Value), protein (101% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (62% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1589mg per serving (69% 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 these stuffed shells ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the shells a day in advance. Prepare everything up to the baking step, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and store in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and bake as directed, possibly adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
If you need a substitute for ricotta, consider using cottage cheese blended until smooth or a mixture of cream cheese and Greek yogurt for a similar texture. Both options will provide a creamy filling while adding a different flavor profile to your dish.
Can I freeze the stuffed shells?
Absolutely! You can freeze uncooked stuffed shells before baking. Layer them in a freezer-safe dish with parchment paper between layers, cover tightly, and they can be stored for up to 2 months. When ready to cook, bake from frozen, adding about 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
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).