Stuffed Pasta Shells Florentine
Creamy stuffed pasta shells filled with spinach and cheese, baked to perfection with marinara, ideal for a hearty vegetarian main that appeals to family and friends alike.
Ingredients
- 10 oz. chopped spinach, thawed and drained ⓘ
- 4 oz. shredded reduced-fat Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1 cup nonfat cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 egg white ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. garlic ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. basil ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg ⓘ
- 16 jumbo macaroni shells, cooked and drained ⓘ
- 15 1/2 oz. jar spaghetti sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat oven to 375°F.
- Stir together spinach, mozzarella, cottage cheese, egg white, Parmesan, garlic, basil, and nutmeg until well mixed.
- Fill each cooked jumbo shell with heaping tablespoonfuls of the spinach mixture.
- Arrange the filled shells in a 12 x 8-inch baking dish.
- Spoon spaghetti sauce over the shells.
- Cover the dish with foil.
- Bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until thoroughly heated.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some herbs like oregano or using a blend of cheeses such as ricotta for creaminess. If you're short on time, pre-made spinach and cheese filling can be found in the refrigerated section. You can also substitute regular mozzarella with a dairy-free alternative for a vegan version. Serve with a side of Cheesy Crostini for a delightful twist.
Serving Suggestions
These stuffed pasta shells are great as a main dish, served alongside a fresh green salad or garlic bread. For a heartier meal, pair them with Italian Style Baked Mushrooms. A light sprinkling of additional Parmesan or a drizzle of Biba'S Pesto can elevate the dish even further.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through. For best results, avoid microwaving, as it may make the pasta shells rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stuffed Pasta Shells Florentine contains roughly 1994 calories, with 57g protein, 243g carbohydrates, and 89g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (114% of the Daily Value), iron (81% of the Daily Value), and calcium (59% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 prepare the stuffed shells in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells ahead of time. Prepare them up to the baking step, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time to ensure they are heated thoroughly.
What can I use instead of spinach?
If you're not a fan of spinach, you can substitute it with kale or Swiss chard, both of which provide a similar texture and nutritional profile. Just be sure to chop them finely and sauté them briefly to soften before mixing with the cheese filling.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make these stuffed shells gluten-free, simply use gluten-free jumbo pasta shells, which are widely available in stores. Ensure that the spaghetti sauce is also gluten-free, checking the label for any hidden gluten ingredients.
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).