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Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Shells
5 from 36 votes

Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Shells

Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Shells features jumbo pasta shells filled with a mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan cheeses, fresh herbs, garlic, and steamed spinach. The shells are arranged in a baking dish with marinara sauce and topped with mozzarella before baking. The result is a rich, cheesy filling balanced with spinach and herbs, baked until bubbly and hot, making it a hearty vegetarian main or side dish.

Prep Time
25 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Total Time
55 mins
Servings: 10
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

  • 30 pasta shells cooked according to directions listed on package, jumbo
  • 15 oz fresh spinach, steamed just until wilted, squeezed dry with paper towels and chopped*
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 1 egg large
  • 3 Tbsp basil chopped, fresh
  • 1 tsp oregano chopped fresh, or thyme
  • 1 clove garlic finely minced
  • 3 cups (12 oz) mozzarella cheese finely shredded, divided
  • 1 cup (3.5 oz) Parmesan Cheese finely shredded
  • salt to taste, freshly ground
  • black pepper to taste, freshly ground
  • 3 cups marinara sauce homemade or store-bought
  • red pepper flakes optional

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a mixing bowl, using a fork, blend together Ricotta cheese and egg. Stir in basil, thyme and garlic. 
  2. Add 2 cups mozzarella and Parmesan cheese and toss mixture to combine. Mix in prepared spinach. Season mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Spread 1/3 cup marinara sauce into an even layer along bottom of a 13 by 9-inch baking dish (or similar size casserole dish). Divide cheese mixture among cooked pasta shells, stuffing each shell full with about 2 Tbsp cheese mixture. 
  4. Align shells in baking dish side by side, with the opening of shells facing upright. 
  5. Stir red pepper flakes to taste into marinara sauce if desired. Cover shells evenly with remaining marinara sauce then sprinkle tops evenly with remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese. 
  6. Cover baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in preheated oven 30 minutes. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Thoroughly squeeze dry steamed fresh spinach or well-thawed frozen spinach to avoid watery filling.
  • Use fresh herbs like basil and oregano or thyme for optimal flavor in the cheese mixture.
  • You may add red pepper flakes to marinara sauce for a subtle spicy note if desired.