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Stuffed Shells

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🍝 These stuffed shells deliver restaurant-quality Italian comfort food with a creamy, flavorful cheese filling that perfectly complements the savory marinara sauce
πŸ§€ This make-ahead friendly recipe combines tender pasta, fresh spinach, and rich ricotta cheese for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinner parties

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

– 18 to 20 jumbo pasta shells

– 5 ounces (about 140 grams) of fresh spinach

– 2 cups (16 ounces or approximately 450 grams) of ricotta cheese

– ΒΌ cup grated pecorino cheese (plus extra for sprinkling)

– 2 grated garlic cloves

– 1 teaspoon dried oregano

– 1 teaspoon lemon zest

– ΒΌ teaspoon red pepper flakes

– ΒΎ teaspoon salt (plus more for pasta water)

– Freshly ground black pepper to taste

– 2 cups marinara sauce (plus extra for serving)

– Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

– Olive oil for drizzling

Instructions

1-Getting started with stuffed shells is straightforward and fun, beginning with preheating your oven to 425Β°F (220Β°C).

2-First, steam the fresh spinach over simmering water for about one minute until it’s wilted, then squeeze out the excess water and chop it finely to keep the filling from getting watery.

3-Next, cook the pasta shells in salted boiling water for around 10 minutes until they’re just shy of al dente, then drain and drizzle with olive oil to stop them from sticking.

4-In a bowl, mix the steamed spinach with 2 cups of ricotta cheese, ΒΌ cup grated pecorino cheese, 2 grated garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, ΒΌ teaspoon red pepper flakes, ΒΎ teaspoon salt, and freshly ground black pepper to create a creamy filling.

5-Spread 2 cups of marinara sauce evenly in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish for a flavorful base.

6-Stuff each shell with the cheese and spinach mixture, place them in the dish, cover with foil, and bake for 20 minutes.

7-Once done, serve hot with extra marinara sauce and a sprinkle of pecorino or Parmesan cheese on top, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.

8-Preheat the oven and steam the spinach as described.

9-Cook and prepare the pasta shells carefully.

10-Mix the filling ingredients thoroughly.

11-Assemble the dish in the baking pan.

12-Bake and serve with fresh garnishes.

Last Step:

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Notes

🌿 Thoroughly squeeze out moisture from the spinach to avoid a watery filling – this is crucial for the best texture and flavor
🍝 Cook the shells nearly to al dente as they will finish cooking in the oven – overcooking now will make them mushy after baking
⏰ You can prepare the dish up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate before baking, or freeze the assembled dish for later use

  • Author: Brandi Oshea
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3-4 stuffed shells
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 720mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg