Yummy Stuffed Pasta Shells
Delicious stuffed pasta shells filled with a creamy spinach and cottage cheese mixture, topped with marinara sauce and Parmesan, perfect for a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 475°F.
- Cook pasta shells, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
- Combine onion, olive oil, and spinach in a skillet and heat for 3 minutes.
- Puree cottage cheese in a food processor or blender.
- In a bowl, combine cottage cheese, bread crumbs, grated nutmeg, and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese.
- Mix the cottage cheese mixture and fold in the cooked spinach mixture, then stir in the egg white.
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce in a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Stuff each pasta shell with approximately 2 tablespoons of the cheese and spinach mixture.
- Arrange the stuffed shells on top of the marinara sauce in the dish.
- Pour the remaining 2 cups of marinara sauce over the shells and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the dish and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier filling, consider adding ricotta cheese or using a combination of cottage cheese and mascarpone. You can easily swap the spinach for other greens like kale or Swiss chard. If you're short on time, use store-bought marinara sauce. This dish can also be made ahead and frozen before baking, making it perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stuffed pasta shells with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. They pair beautifully with a glass of red wine and can be garnished with fresh basil or additional Parmesan cheese. For a heartier option, consider serving with roasted vegetables or a side of Broccoli With Pasta for a delightful vegetarian experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the stuffed pasta shells in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them in individual portions if preferred.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Yummy Stuffed Pasta Shells contains roughly 2190 calories, with 40g protein, 132g carbohydrates, and 170g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (81% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (77% of the Daily Value), and calcium (56% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1523mg per serving (66% 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 the stuffed shells ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed shells in advance! Assemble the dish and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it convenient for busy days, just pop it in the oven when you're ready to eat.
Can I freeze the stuffed pasta shells?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled stuffed shells before baking. Wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.
What can I use instead of cottage cheese in the filling?
If you prefer a different flavor or texture, you can replace the cottage cheese with ricotta cheese, which will give a creamier consistency. Alternatively, a mix of cream cheese and Greek yogurt can also work well, adding richness and a slight tang to the filling.
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).