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Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells: Delicious 1 Hr Dinner

Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells
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A delightful vegetarian comfort food dish featuring jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy mix of ricotta, mozzarella, and spinach, all smothered in marinara sauce. This easy cheesy spinach stuffed shells bake is perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 20 jumbo pasta shells
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
  • 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, plus extra for topping
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 3 cups marinara sauce
  • Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
  4. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce (about 1 cup) on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  5. Carefully stuff each cooked shell with the cheese and spinach mixture and place them in the baking dish.
  6. Once all shells are stuffed, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells. Sprinkle the extra mozzarella cheese on top.
  7. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
  8. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  9. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

  • For a creamier filling, you can add a tablespoon of heavy cream to the ricotta mixture.
  • If using frozen spinach, ensure it is thoroughly squeezed to remove excess water to prevent a watery filling.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables like chopped artichoke hearts or sautéed mushrooms to the filling for extra flavor.
  • Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Nutrition

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