Stuffed Shells Florentine Recipe ๐
Overview:
Stuffed Shells Florentine is a delightful dish that combines the richness of cheese with the wholesome goodness of spinach, creating a mouthwatering experience for your taste buds. This recipe, inspired by Cooking Light, offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it an ideal choice for a hearty family dinner or a cozy gathering with friends. Plus, with a prep time of just 10 minutes and a total cooking time of 55 minutes, it’s a convenient option for busy weeknights when you crave something comforting yet effortless to prepare. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to create this culinary masterpiece step by step!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup egg substitute
- 1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 24 jumbo pasta shells
- 26 ounces marinara sauce
- Additional 1 cup mozzarella cheese for topping
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. | Cook Pasta Shells: Begin by cooking the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Once cooked, drain them and set aside. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. |
| 2. | Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, egg substitute, finely chopped parsley, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, minced garlic, thawed and drained frozen spinach, and ricotta cheese. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until well combined. |
| 3. | Stuff the Shells: Take each cooked pasta shell and spoon the cheese mixture evenly into them, ensuring they are generously filled with the delicious filling. |
| 4. | Arrange in Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 13×9 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Arrange the stuffed shells in the baking dish in a single layer, ensuring they are snugly packed together. |
| 5. | Top with Sauce and Cheese: Pour the marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, covering them completely with the savory sauce. Sprinkle the additional 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, ensuring each shell gets a generous coating of cheese. |
| 6. | Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the stuffed shells at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the shells are golden brown. |
| 7. | Serve and Enjoy: Once baked to perfection, remove the stuffed shells florentine from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil leaves for an extra pop of color and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy the delectable combination of creamy cheese and savory spinach in every bite! |
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 426.4 per serving
- Fat Content: 24.9g
- Saturated Fat Content: 13.3g
- Cholesterol Content: 74.7mg
- Sodium Content: 1261.5mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 23.5g
- Fiber Content: 4.1g
- Sugar Content: 13.3g
- Protein Content: 29.1g
Recipe Notes:
- Chilling Pasta Shells: The recipe suggests chilling the cooked pasta shells in the freezer until ready to stuff. This makes them easier to handle and fill, saving you time and effort in the kitchen.
- Customize with Greens: Feel free to experiment with different greens in the filling, such as kale or Swiss chard, to add variety and nutritional value to the dish.
- Make it Your Own: Get creative with the cheese mixture by adding your favorite herbs, spices, or even a touch of heat with crushed red pepper flakes.
- Freezing and Reheating: These stuffed shells freeze well, making them an excellent option for meal prep. Simply freeze the baked shells in an airtight container, then reheat them in the oven or microwave for a quick and satisfying meal anytime.
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Stuffed Shells Florentine and delight your senses with every creamy, cheesy bite. This recipe is sure to become a family favorite and a go-to option for any occasion!
