Decadent Spinach-Stuffed Shells are the ultimate comfort food—a perfect blend of creamy, cheesy goodness and vibrant spinach. This dish is easy to prepare, making it an excellent choice for busy days when you still want something delicious on the table. Plus, these shells are versatile, allowing you to customize the filling to suit your taste.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6
Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 450
Protein: 23g
Carbohydrates: 46g
Fat: 20g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 800mg
Why Make Decadent Spinach-Stuffed Shells
When you’re looking for a dish that combines flavor and nutrition, Decadent Spinach-Stuffed Shells fit the bill perfectly. Stuffed with fresh spinach and a variety of cheeses, these shells offer a wholesome meal that’s satisfying and nourishing. They are a great way to sneak in leafy greens without compromising on taste, making it a win for both kids and adults alike. You can easily adjust the recipe by adding ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes or various herbs to enhance the flavor even more.
How to Make Decadent Spinach-Stuffed Shells Step by Step
Ingredients
Jumbo Pasta Shells: 12 ounces
Fresh Spinach: 10 ounces
Ricotta Cheese: 1 ½ cups
Cream Cheese: 8 ounces
Mozzarella Cheese: 1 ½ cups shredded
Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup grated
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
Egg: 1 large
Marinara Sauce: 3 cups
Salt: 1 teaspoon
Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta shells. Sauté the spinach in a skillet with olive oil until wilted. Remove excess moisture, then chop finely. In a large bowl, combine ricotta, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Stir in the spinach. Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Stuff each pasta shell with the spinach filling and place it in the dish. Repeat until all shells are stuffed. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with mozzarella. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let the shells rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or extra Parmesan if desired. Serve hot with extra marinara sauce or a side salad.
How to Serve Decadent Spinach-Stuffed Shells
Serve your Decadent Spinach-Stuffed Shells with a simple side salad for a light and refreshing balance. Garlic bread can make for a delightful addition, perfect for dipping in extra marinara sauce. Pair it with a glass of red wine or sparkling water for a complete meal that feels extravagant without the extra effort.
How to Store Decadent Spinach-Stuffed Shells
If you have leftovers, Decadent Spinach-Stuffed Shells can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to three days. For easy reheating, just pop the shells in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. You can also freeze the stuffed shells before baking. Simply cover them tightly with foil and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Expert Tips for Cooking Decadent Spinach-Stuffed Shells
- Use fresh spinach for better flavor, but frozen spinach can be a quick alternative—just ensure it is well-drained.
- For a little kick, add crushed red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture.
- Feel free to substitute half of the ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter version.
- Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta shells.
- Experiment with different cheeses like goat cheese or feta for a unique twist.
Delicious Variations of Decadent Spinach-Stuffed Shells
For a spicy version, incorporate jalapeños into the cheese mixture. Adding a squeeze of citrus like lemon can brighten the flavors and add a refreshing twist. If you want to make it even more protein-packed, include cooked chicken or turkey in the filling.
Decadent Spinach-Stuffed Shells are a delightful dish that brings together rich flavors and comfort. Your family and friends will love it, and you’ll appreciate how simple it is to prepare. Whether enjoyed on a busy weeknight or as a highlight of a weekend gathering, these shells are sure to impress. Give Decadent Spinach-Stuffed Shells a try today, and savor the deliciousness!
Decadent Spinach-Stuffed Shells
Ingredients
For the stuffing
- 1.5 cups Ricotta Cheese
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese
- 1.5 cups Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cups Parmesan Cheese, grated
- 10 ounces Fresh Spinach Can use frozen spinach, well-drained
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 large Egg
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper
For the shells and sauce
- 12 ounces Jumbo Pasta Shells Cook according to package instructions
- 3 cups Marinara Sauce For layering and serving
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta shells.
- Sauté the spinach in a skillet with olive oil until wilted. Remove excess moisture, then chop finely.
Filling the shells
- In a large bowl, combine ricotta, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in the chopped spinach.
- Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Stuff each pasta shell with the spinach filling and place it in the dish. Repeat until all shells are stuffed.
Baking
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with mozzarella.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let the shells rest for a few minutes before serving.
