These Spinach Stuffed Shells are the epitome of comfort food. Filled with creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and fresh spinach, they’re topped with a rich marinara sauce and melty cheese, making them the perfect meal to serve for family dinner or a cozy evening in. The combination of flavors is irresistible, with the spinach providing a fresh, earthy taste and the cheese offering the perfect balance of creaminess and saltiness. This dish is easy to make and can be customized with your favorite seasonings, making it a versatile option for anyone craving a hearty vegetarian pasta meal.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan, chopped spinach, beaten egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Stuff each cooked shell with the spinach mixture and place them in a greased baking dish.
- Pour marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 380 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Spinach Stuffed Shells: A Hearty, Flavorful, and Nutritious Pasta Dish
When it comes to comfort food, pasta dishes are always at the top of the list. They’re filling, versatile, and often packed with flavor, making them perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or a cozy night in. One such dish that stands out for its rich flavor and satisfying textures is Spinach Stuffed Shells. This recipe combines the indulgence of cheesy pasta with the freshness of spinach, all enveloped in a savory marinara sauce. It’s a fantastic choice for vegetarians and those looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their diet without sacrificing taste or comfort.
What Are Spinach Stuffed Shells?
Spinach Stuffed Shells are large pasta shells (known as “conchiglioni”) that are filled with a delicious mixture of creamy ricotta cheese, melted mozzarella, and fresh spinach. The stuffed shells are then covered in marinara sauce and baked until bubbly and golden brown. The result is a hearty, cheesy, and satisfying dish that can be served as a main course or a side dish.
This recipe is a variation of classic stuffed shells, which traditionally use ground meat or a combination of cheese and meat as the filling. However, in Spinach Stuffed Shells, the meat is replaced with spinach, making it a lighter, more nutritious version. Whether you are vegetarian or just looking for a healthier alternative, this dish delivers all the comforting flavors of classic pasta dishes with added nutritional value.
Flavor Profile of Spinach Stuffed Shells
The flavor profile of Spinach Stuffed Shells is a delightful balance of creamy, cheesy, and slightly tangy notes. The ricotta cheese creates a smooth and rich base for the filling, while the mozzarella adds a stretchy, melty texture when baked. The spinach not only adds a pop of color but also provides an earthy and fresh taste that complements the richness of the cheese perfectly.
The marinara sauce on top of the stuffed shells introduces a tangy, herby contrast to the creamy filling, and the melted mozzarella on top creates a beautiful golden crust that pulls everything together. The addition of garlic, Italian seasoning, and fresh basil can further elevate the flavor, bringing depth and freshness to the dish.
Nutritional Benefits of Spinach Stuffed Shells
Although Spinach Stuffed Shells is a cheesy, indulgent dish, it also provides several nutritional benefits, especially from the spinach. Here’s why you should consider adding this recipe to your rotation:
- Spinach – This leafy green is packed with vitamins A and C, iron, and folate, which are essential for immune health, healthy skin, and energy production. Spinach is also a great source of fiber, which aids in digestion and helps you feel full longer.
- Cheese – While cheese is often associated with being high in fat, it also provides a good source of calcium and protein, which are vital for strong bones and muscle health. The mozzarella in this dish contributes to its creamy texture and provides a satisfying mouthfeel.
- Whole Grains (Optional) – If you decide to use whole wheat pasta shells or even gluten-free pasta shells, you’ll be adding extra fiber to the dish, which can help stabilize blood sugar levels and keep you feeling full longer. Whole grains are also rich in B vitamins, which are crucial for energy production.
- Eggs – The addition of eggs to the filling mixture adds protein and a small amount of healthy fats, contributing to the dish’s overall nutritional profile.
- Tomato Sauce – The marinara sauce used in this recipe is rich in antioxidants, particularly lycopene, which is known for its potential cancer-fighting properties. The tomatoes also provide vitamin C, which helps in the absorption of iron from the spinach.
Tips for Making the Perfect Spinach Stuffed Shells
While Spinach Stuffed Shells is an easy-to-make dish, there are a few tips that can help you achieve the best results:
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta – When cooking the pasta shells, be sure to cook them just until they are al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven. Overcooking the pasta can result in a mushy texture, which detracts from the final dish.
- Use Fresh Spinach – While frozen spinach can work in a pinch, fresh spinach yields the best flavor and texture. Sauté the spinach lightly to remove any excess moisture before mixing it with the cheese filling to prevent the shells from becoming watery.
- Make It Ahead of Time – Spinach Stuffed Shells is a perfect dish for meal prepping. You can assemble the dish a day ahead, refrigerate it, and then bake it when you’re ready to serve. You can also freeze the assembled shells for up to three months, making it an excellent option for busy nights when you need a quick, homemade meal.
- Customization – This dish is incredibly versatile. You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as feta, ricotta salata, or even a bit of goat cheese for a tangier flavor. You can also add other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to the filling to make it even more nutrient-dense.
- Add a Crispy Topping – For extra texture, consider adding some crispy breadcrumbs on top of the stuffed shells during the last 10 minutes of baking. You can make the breadcrumbs yourself or use store-bought ones for convenience.
How to Serve Spinach Stuffed Shells
Spinach Stuffed Shells can be served as a main course or as part of a larger Italian-inspired meal. Pair it with a side of garlic bread and a simple salad with a tangy vinaigrette for a complete dinner. The dish is also perfect for meal prep, as it reheats well and is just as delicious the next day.
If you’re serving it for a crowd or family gathering, you can easily scale up the recipe to accommodate more people. It’s a great make-ahead dish for potlucks, holidays, or a weekend dinner with friends and family.
Conclusion:
Spinach Stuffed Shells is an incredibly satisfying and flavorful dish that brings together the best of Italian comfort food with the nutritional benefits of spinach and cheese. Whether you’re cooking for a vegetarian or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, this recipe is a great choice. It’s easy to prepare, highly customizable, and makes for a wholesome meal that everyone will enjoy.
The combination of creamy ricotta and mozzarella with the earthy spinach and tangy marinara sauce creates a harmonious balance of flavors and textures that will please even the pickiest eaters. With tips for customization and make-ahead options, Spinach Stuffed Shells is a versatile dish that fits perfectly into busy weeknights, special occasions, and meal prep routines.
