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Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Pasta Shells


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  • Author: Isabella
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Pasta Shells are a comforting Italian-American dish featuring jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy spinach and cheese mixture, baked in marinara sauce, and topped with melted mozzarella. Perfect for family dinners and special occasions.


Ingredients

  • 32 jumbo pasta shells
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 2 (10-ounce) packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fennel seed
  • 2 teaspoons dried basil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 3½ cups spaghetti sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Gently add the pasta shells and cook until just tender. Drain well.
  • Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained spinach, ricotta cheese, 1/3 cup of Parmesan cheese, fennel seed, dried basil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
  • Assemble the dish: Spread ½ cup of spaghetti sauce evenly over the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Fill each pasta shell with the spinach and cheese mixture and arrange them, filling-side up, in the baking dish. Pour the remaining spaghetti sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top.
  • Bake: Cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil and bake for about 30 minutes or until heated through.

Notes

  • Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C).
  • Freezing: Assemble the dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
  • Variation: For a meatier dish, add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the filling.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish, Pasta
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American