Stuffed Shells
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
35 mins
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Total Time
55 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
494 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
Stuffed Shells
Description
Stuffed Shells consists of cooked jumbo pasta shells filled with a mixture of sautéed spinach and garlic, ricotta cheese, egg, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. These stuffed shells are arranged in a baking dish spread with marinara sauce, topped with more sauce and mozzarella cheese, then baked until bubbly and golden.
The dish features tender pasta shells with a rich, creamy cheese filling balanced by the earthiness of spinach and a subtle kick from crushed red pepper. The tomato sauce adds acidity and moisture, tying the dish together.
This casserole works well as a hearty main course, suitable for family dinners or gatherings. Garnished with fresh basil, it adds a fresh green note to the rich flavors.
A practical tip is to cook extra shells to account for breakage since only 20 filled shells are needed.
Ingredients
- 20 pasta shells cooked according to package directions, jumbo
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cups spinach chopped, packed
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 egg large
- 3 cups mozzarella cheese divided, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes crushed
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups marinara sauce divided
- 2 tablespoons basil for garnish, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degree F. Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta shells and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Don’t overcook the shells. Drain, and rinse with run cold water to stop cooking. Set the shells aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped spinach and sauté until wilted. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, spinach mixture, 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Spread 1 1/2 cups of the marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Use a spoon to fill the pasta shells with the cheese and spinach mixture. Place in the baking dish.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Carefully remove the foil and broil for an additional 2 minutes to lightly brown the cheese.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil. Serve warm.
Notes
- Cook extra pasta shells to ensure enough undamaged shells for filling.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 494 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 494kcal | 25% |
| Carbohydrates | 32g | 11% |
| Protein | 29g | 58% |
| Fat | 28g | 43% |
| Saturated Fat | 15g | 75% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Cholesterol | 115mg | 38% |
| Sodium | 988mg | 41% |
| Potassium | 692mg | 15% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 3278IU | 66% |
| Vitamin C | 15mg | 17% |
| Calcium | 560mg | 56% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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