Stuffed Spinach And Cheese Pasta Shells
Creamy spinach and cheese stuffed pasta shells are baked with marinara and Parmesan, offering a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Squeeze dry the thawed spinach and transfer to a large bowl.
- Add ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, chopped basil, and minced garlic to the bowl.
- Season with salt and pepper, then blend everything together until well combined.
- Spread 1/2 cup marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Fill each cooked pasta shell with the spinach mixture.
- Place the filled shells, filling side up, in the baking dish.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese on top.
- Cover loosely with foil and bake for about 30 minutes until heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier filling, consider adding a bit of mozzarella cheese to the ricotta mixture. If you're short on time, fresh spinach can be used instead of frozen; just sauté it until wilted. You can also substitute cottage cheese for ricotta for a lighter option. This dish pairs beautifully with sides like Green Beans Napoli for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stuffed shells with a simple side salad or crusty bread to soak up the marinara sauce. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top just before serving enhances the flavor. This dish can also be paired with Italian recipes like Pesto Genovese for a delightful contrast in flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover stuffed shells can be covered and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil 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 on medium power for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stuffed Spinach And Cheese Pasta Shells contains roughly 449 calories, with 32g protein, 72g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (145% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1440mg per serving (63% 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 stuffed shells ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells a day in advance. Just cover them tightly and refrigerate until ready to bake. If baking from cold, you may need to increase the baking time by about 10-15 minutes.
What can I substitute for marinara sauce?
If you prefer, you can use alfredo sauce or a homemade tomato sauce. For a twist, try a roasted red pepper sauce that adds a unique flavor while still complementing the spinach and cheese filling.
Is it possible to freeze stuffed shells?
Absolutely! Assemble the stuffed shells, then cover and freeze them before baking. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen, adding extra time to ensure they heat through completely. This makes for a convenient meal option!
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).