Stuffed Shells Florentine
Stuffed Shells Florentine features jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy ricotta and spinach mixture, baked in a rich marinara sauce topped with melted mozzarella. This comforting dish offers a harmonious blend of cheesy, savory flavors, making it perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the jumbo shells according to the package directions.
- Pour the marinara sauce into a saucepan and heat.
- Spoon 1 cup of marinara sauce into the bottom of a large roasting pan or 1/2 cup into each of two 2-quart baking pans.
- Reserve the remaining sauce and keep warm.
- Fill each cooked shell with the ricotta and spinach mixture.
- Arrange the stuffed shells in the prepared pans on top of the sauce.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan over the top.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 30 minutes or until bubbly and cheese is golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier filling, consider adding a bit of sour cream or cream cheese to the ricotta and spinach mixture. If you're short on time, you can use pre-made spinach or ricotta filling available at grocery stores. Feel free to swap out the marinara sauce for a homemade tomato sauce for a fresher flavor. You can also add herbs like basil or oregano for an extra kick.
Serving Suggestions
Stuffed Shells Florentine pairs beautifully with garlic bread sticks and a fresh green salad for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside a light Italian white wine to enhance the flavors. For a heartier option, consider serving it with a side of steamed vegetables or a slice of spinach lasagna for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but the oven will keep the cheese from becoming rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stuffed Shells Florentine contains roughly 854 calories, with 45g protein, 74g carbohydrates, and 43g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (91% of the Daily Value), protein (90% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1281mg per serving (56% 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 freeze the stuffed shells before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the stuffed shells before baking. Assemble them in the pan with sauce, cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adding extra time if needed.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
If you don't have ricotta cheese, you can use cottage cheese blended until smooth or a combination of cream cheese and Greek yogurt for a similar texture. This will still provide a creamy filling while adding a slightly different flavor to your stuffed shells.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed shells and assemble them in the baking dish up to a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate until you're ready to bake. This makes it convenient for a busy weeknight or when hosting guests.
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).