Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Shells

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These Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Shells are the ultimate comfort food. Tender jumbo pasta shells are filled with a creamy, cheesy spinach mixture, then baked in a tangy marinara sauce until bubbling and golden. It’s a satisfying vegetarian dish that feels indulgent, yet packs in a good dose of greens.

Perfect for make-ahead meals, weeknight dinners, or even entertaining, this dish strikes the perfect balance between hearty and wholesome. Plus, it’s a great way to win over picky eaters with the power of cheese.

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What Kind of Pasta Shells Should I Use?

Look for jumbo pasta shells, sometimes labeled as “conchiglioni” at the store. These large shells are designed to be stuffed and baked, and they hold the cheesy filling perfectly without tearing. Avoid small shells, which won’t have enough room for stuffing.

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Ingredients for the Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Shells

• 20 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 5 oz fresh spinach (or 10 oz frozen, thawed and squeezed dry)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus more for topping)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

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How To Make the Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo shells just until al dente, about 9 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool slightly so they’re easier to handle.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Add spinach and cook until wilted (or warmed through if using frozen). Let cool, then finely chop.

In a bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and the chopped spinach mixture. Mix until well blended.

Step 3: Fill the Shells

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish.

Using a spoon, fill each cooked shell with the spinach and cheese mixture and place them in the dish. Continue until all shells are filled.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle with additional mozzarella cheese on top.

Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and lightly golden. Garnish with fresh herbs, if using.

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Serving and Storing Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Shells

These shells are best served hot, straight from the oven with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a side of garlic bread. For a heartier meal, pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables.

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. You can also freeze assembled (but unbaked) shells for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, bake from frozen at 375°F, covered, for 45-50 minutes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent the shells from tearing?

Don’t overcook the pasta. Boil just until al dente so they’re sturdy enough to fill. Also, handle them gently with a slotted spoon.

Can I use frozen spinach?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out all excess moisture before mixing it into the filling.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the shells up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Then bake as directed when you’re ready.

What if I don’t have ricotta?

You can substitute cottage cheese or even a creamy goat cheese for a different twist.

Is this freezer friendly?

Yes, both before and after baking. Wrap tightly in foil and store in a freezer-safe container.

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Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you love these Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Shells, you’ll want to try these next:

• Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts for a rich and savory main dish.
• Marry Me Chicken Pasta with bold flavor and silky sauce.
• Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach for seafood lovers.
• Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta for a cozy and filling family dinner.
• One Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles when you’re short on time.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can find it again for your next cozy meal.

Tried it? Let me know how yours turned out in the comments! Did you go with fresh or frozen spinach? Add extra cheese on top? I’m always curious how others make it their own. Questions are always welcome!

For more dinner favorites and creative spins on pasta night, follow me over on Pinterest @NinaDishes.

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