Stuffed Pasta Shells(6 To 8 Servings)
Creamy stuffed pasta shells filled with ricotta, spinach, and cheese, baked in marinara sauce for a comforting, cheesy Italian-inspired dish perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package directions; drain and set aside.
- Lightly cover the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with spaghetti sauce.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, thawed and drained chopped spinach, diced onion, egg, Parmesan cheese, and parsley; mix well.
- Stuff each cooked shell with approximately 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture.
- Arrange the stuffed shells in the prepared dish over the sauce.
- Spoon the remaining spaghetti sauce over the shells.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
- Cover the dish and bake at 350°F for 30 to 40 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier filling, consider adding a touch of ricotta or using Ne Plus Ultra Pesto for added flavor. If you're short on time, cooked ground meat or a meat substitute can be added to the cheese mixture for a heartier dish. Always drain the spinach thoroughly to avoid a watery filling.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these stuffed pasta shells with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A light tomato or white sauce pairs beautifully with the flavors of the shells. For a vegetarian option, consider browsing more vegetarian recipes to complement this dish.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover stuffed shells can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F, cover with foil, and bake for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stuffed Pasta Shells(6 To 8 Servings) contains roughly 1606 calories, with 45g protein, 309g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (190% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1249mg per serving (54% 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 ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells a day in advance. Just cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Bake them straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta cheese, you can substitute with cottage cheese or a blend of cream cheese and sour cream for a similar texture and flavor. Just make sure to blend them well to avoid lumps.
Can I freeze stuffed pasta shells?
Absolutely! To freeze, prepare the shells, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe container. They can be baked directly from frozen; just increase the baking 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).