Stuffed Pasta Shells Recipe: A Quick and Delicious Dinner
Make and share this flavorful Stuffed Pasta Shells recipe from LoveWithRecipes.com! This dish combines the creamy goodness of mozzarella and ricotta cheese, complemented by the richness of spinach, all nestled inside jumbo pasta shells and baked in a savory spaghetti sauce. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a simple weeknight meal.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mozzarella cheese (shredded) | 16 oz |
| Ricotta cheese | 1 cup |
| Frozen chopped spinach (thawed and drained) | 1 cup |
| Jumbo pasta shells | 12-16 shells |
| Spaghetti sauce | 2 cups |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 342.5 |
| Total Fat | 15.5g |
| Saturated Fat | 8.4g |
| Cholesterol | 48.7mg |
| Sodium | 623.6mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 32.1g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.9g |
| Sugars | 7.4g |
| Protein | 18.6g |
Recipe Details
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour |
| Servings | 12 servings |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Recipe Category | Pasta Shells |
| Keywords | < 60 Mins, Oven, Easy |
Instructions
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Prepare the Stuffing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, and thawed, drained chopped spinach. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated. The mixture should be creamy and slightly firm.
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Stuff the Pasta Shells: Carefully fill each cooked jumbo pasta shell with the cheese and spinach mixture. Be generous with the stuffing to ensure each shell is packed with flavor.
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Arrange in Baking Dish: Grease a 13-inch x 9-inch x 2-inch baking dish with a little olive oil or non-stick cooking spray. Arrange the stuffed pasta shells in the dish in a single layer, ensuring they fit snugly without overlapping.
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Add Sauce: Pour your favorite spaghetti sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring that each shell is evenly covered with sauce. You can use homemade or store-bought sauce, depending on your preference.
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Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for 30 minutes or until the shells are heated through and the cheese inside has melted to perfection. For an extra touch, you can uncover the dish during the last 5 minutes of baking to let the top become lightly golden and bubbly.
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Serve: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. The stuffed pasta shells are best enjoyed warm, with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad.
Tips & Variations:
- For a meaty twist: Add cooked ground beef, turkey, or sausage to the cheese and spinach mixture for a heartier version of this dish.
- Make ahead: You can assemble the stuffed shells a day ahead and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. This makes it an excellent dish for meal prepping or preparing in advance for busy nights.
- Vegan variation: Swap the ricotta and mozzarella cheeses for plant-based alternatives to create a vegan-friendly stuffed pasta shell dish.
Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
3 Reviews
Conclusion:
This Stuffed Pasta Shells recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy a cheesy, comforting dinner in under an hour. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, it’s perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks alike. Whether you’re serving it to your family on a busy weeknight or sharing it with friends at a casual dinner party, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy the flavors of Italy with this delightful, oven-baked meal!
For more easy and delicious recipes like this one, visit LoveWithRecipes.com and explore our full collection of family-friendly meals.
