Creamy Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Shells

Name: Creamy Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Shells
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 20 shells jumbo pasta shells; 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese; 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 2 cups spinach, thawed and squeezed dry; 1 egg; 3 cups marinara sauce; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Made with: Cheese

Tender pasta shells are filled with a rich blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and spinach, then baked in marinara until bubbling and golden. It’s a comforting vegetarian dinner that feels special but is easy enough for a weeknight.

Prep20 min

Cook30 min

Serves4

LevelEasy

Contains DairyContains EggsContains GlutenVegetarian

Ingredients

jumbo pasta shells20 shells
ricotta cheese1 1/2 cups
mozzarella cheese, shredded2 cups
Parmesan cheese, grated1/2 cup
spinach, thawed and squeezed dry2 cups
egg1
marinara sauce3 cups
garlic, minced2 cloves
olive oil1 tablespoon
salt1 teaspoon
black pepper1/2 teaspoon

Substitutions

jumbo pasta shells → large manicotti tubes
ricotta cheese → cottage cheese, blended smooth
spinach → chopped kale or sautéed mushrooms
egg → 2 tablespoons plain yogurt or a flax egg

Instructions

1Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta shells until just al dente, then drain and set aside.
2In a bowl, mix ricotta, 1 1/2 cups mozzarella, Parmesan, spinach, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3Spread 1 cup marinara in a baking dish. Stuff each shell with the cheese mixture and arrange them in the dish.
4Spoon the remaining marinara over the shells and top with the rest of the mozzarella.
5Drizzle lightly with olive oil, cover with foil, and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake 10 minutes more until bubbly.
6Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Want recipes like this from your own ingredients? Try Pantamo