Savory Feta-Filled Shells Recipe
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Description:
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Savory Feta-Filled Shells recipe, featuring the rich tanginess of Athenos Feta Cheese with Basil & Tomato. Whether you’re seeking a quick meal or planning a cozy dinner, these stuffed shells are sure to impress. Pair them with creamy alfredo sauce for an extra touch of decadence!
Ingredients:
- 1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese (reserve 1/4 cup for topping)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 1/2 cups alfredo sauce
Instructions:
-
Prepare Spinach Mixture:
- Thaw the frozen chopped spinach and squeeze out excess moisture.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the spinach, ricotta cheese, and three-fourths of the crumbled feta cheese.
- Sprinkle in the garlic powder and mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
-
Fill the Shells:
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente.
- Once cooked, drain the shells and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Take each shell and carefully fill it with the prepared spinach and cheese mixture, using a spoon or piping bag for ease.
-
Assemble the Dish:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 2-quart baking dish lightly with cooking spray or butter.
- Arrange the filled shells in the baking dish, arranging them snugly side by side.
-
Add the Sauce:
- Pour the alfredo sauce evenly over the filled shells, ensuring they are generously coated with sauce.
- Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the sauce if needed, covering all the shells completely.
-
Top with Feta Cheese:
- Sprinkle the remaining one-fourth cup of crumbled feta cheese over the top of the shells, distributing it evenly.
-
Bake to Perfection:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the filling is heated through and the sauce is bubbly.
- For a golden brown finish, you can broil the dish for a couple of minutes at the end, but keep a close eye to prevent burning.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Once baked to perfection, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley for an extra burst of flavor.
- Serve these savory feta-filled shells hot, alongside a crisp green salad or your favorite garlic bread, and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 335.6
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 14.4g
- Cholesterol: 84.9mg
- Sodium: 1173.4mg
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0.4g
- Sugar: 11g
- Protein: 17.3g
Keywords:
Savory, < 60 Mins, Easy
Tips:
- Customize the filling by adding diced roasted red peppers, caramelized onions, or cooked ground sausage for extra flavor.
- Substitute the alfredo sauce with marinara or pesto sauce for a different twist.
- Make-ahead tip: Prepare the stuffed shells in advance and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- This recipe can easily be doubled for larger gatherings or to have leftovers for meal prep throughout the week. Simply adjust the quantities accordingly and use a larger baking dish.
