Italian Stuffed Shells
Indulge in the comforting flavors of classic Italian cuisine with these irresistible Italian Stuffed Shells. Jumbo pasta shells are generously filled with a creamy mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and nutrient-packed spinach, all seasoned with garlic and Italian herbs for a perfect burst of flavor. Nestled in rich marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella, these shells bake to golden perfection in just 35 minutes. This family-friendly, vegetarian dish is easy to prepare and makes an elegant yet hearty dinner option for cozy weeknights or special occasions. Garnish with fresh basil for a vibrant finishing touch and serve with a crisp salad or garlic bread to complete the meal.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 pieces Jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups Ricotta cheese
- 1.5 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cups Grated Parmesan cheese
- 10 oz Frozen spinach (thawed and drained)
- 1 piece Large egg
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Dried Italian seasoning
- 2 cups Marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 5 pieces Fresh basil leaves (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the jumbo pasta shells until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside to cool.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, thawed and drained spinach, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well blended.
Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly onto the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Using a spoon, gently fill each cooked pasta shell with the ricotta mixture until full but not overflowing.
Arrange the stuffed shells in the baking dish, open side up, nestled in the marinara sauce.
Drizzle the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells, ensuring that they are mostly covered.
Sprinkle the remaining 0.5 cup of shredded mozzarella over the top of the shells.
Drizzle olive oil lightly over the cheese for added richness.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden brown.
Let the dish cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
552 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 35.3 g | 45% | |
| Saturated Fat | 18.9 g | 94% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 150 mg | 50% | |
| Sodium | 1023 mg | 44% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 23.7 g | 9% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.2 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.6 g | ||
| Protein | 35.3 g | 71% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 795 mg | 61% | |
| Iron | 2.8 mg | 16% | |
| Potassium | 516 mg | 11% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
