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To make cheesy spinach stuffed shells, you need a few simple ingredients. Here's the list: - 12 jumbo pasta shells - 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated - 1 egg, lightly beaten - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 cups marinara sauce - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish Each ingredient plays a key role in the dish. The jumbo pasta shells hold the filling and become soft and tasty when cooked. Fresh spinach adds color and nutrition. Ricotta cheese gives a creamy texture, while mozzarella and parmesan add rich flavor. The egg helps bind everything together. Garlic and onion powders boost the taste. Marinara sauce adds moisture and a nice tang. Lastly, fresh basil gives a bright finish. You can find the full recipe at the top of this article to see how these ingredients come together in this dish. Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for cooking the shells evenly. Boil a large pot of water and add salt. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package until they are al dente. This means they should still have a slight bite. Once done, drain them and let them cool for a bit. In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and the parmesan cheese. Add the beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well until it's creamy and smooth. This filling packs a lot of flavor. Take each cooked shell and gently fill it with the spinach cheese mixture. Place the shells seam-side up in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Make sure they fit snugly but are not overcrowded. Pour marinara sauce over the stuffed shells. Cover them well so they soak up the flavor. This step adds a rich, tangy taste that complements the cheese. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the marinara sauce. This will melt beautifully and create a golden crust. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake it in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. Look for the cheese to be melted and bubbly. Once done, take the dish out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. This adds a nice pop of color and flavor. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Enjoy your tasty creation! To make a great filling, start with fresh ingredients. Use soft ricotta cheese for a smooth texture. Mix in chopped spinach and cheese for a rich flavor. I like to add garlic and onion powder to boost taste. Make sure to blend well for a creamy filling. When cooking pasta, aim for al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. Al dente pasta holds its shape better when stuffed. If you overcook it, the shells may tear. Always follow the package directions for best results. You can mix different cheeses for your filling. Try using goat cheese for a tangy kick. Cream cheese can add a rich and creamy flavor. You can even swap mozzarella for a sharper cheese like provolone. Each cheese will change the taste, so feel free to experiment. Serve cheesy spinach stuffed shells warm for the best taste. Let them cool for a few minutes after baking. This helps the cheese set a bit. For an elegant touch, garnish with fresh basil leaves. You can also sprinkle extra cheese on top before serving for added flavor. For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions. {{image_2}} You can easily add meat to cheesy spinach stuffed shells. Ground beef, chicken, or turkey work well. Cook the meat first, then mix it with the spinach filling. This adds protein and flavor to the dish. Just use about one cup of cooked meat for a balanced taste. If you want to keep it vegetarian, consider adding more veggies. Chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini can enhance the dish. You can also mix in some artichoke hearts. These options add texture and flavor without meat. It’s a fun way to change things up while keeping it healthy. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta shells. Many stores offer these now. Make sure to check the box for cooking times. You can follow the same steps in the recipe. This option ensures everyone can enjoy this cheesy delight. While marinara is classic, you can try other sauces. Alfredo or pesto sauce would add a rich taste. If you like a kick, use a spicy arrabbiata sauce. Each sauce gives a new twist to the dish. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite! You can store leftover cheesy spinach stuffed shells in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to three days. Make sure to cover them well with plastic wrap if you do not have a container. This will keep them from drying out. When you're ready to eat, simply take them out and enjoy! To reheat your cheesy spinach stuffed shells, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the shells in a baking dish. Add a little marinara sauce on top to keep them moist. Cover the dish with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes or until they are warm. If you prefer a quicker method, you can use a microwave. Heat them for 1-2 minutes. Check to ensure they are hot all the way through. You can freeze cheesy spinach stuffed shells for later use. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. They will last for up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat them, thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, follow the reheating instructions to warm them up. This makes for an easy meal on a busy day! For the full recipe, check out the details above. It takes about 15 minutes to prep and 35 minutes to cook. So, you can enjoy this dish in around 50 minutes. Yes, you can! Prepare the shells and filling a day before. Store them in the fridge. Just add sauce and cheese before baking. This makes dinner easy for busy days. You can use cottage cheese or cream cheese. Both will give a creamy texture. You can also try goat cheese for a tangy twist. Yes! Thawed frozen spinach works well. Just make sure to drain it well to avoid excess water in your filling. A fresh salad pairs nicely with these shells. You can also serve garlic bread or steamed veggies. These sides balance the rich flavors of the dish. No, this recipe is not gluten-free due to the pasta. You can use gluten-free pasta shells for a safe option. This will keep the flavor while meeting gluten-free needs. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. Cheesy spinach stuffed shells are simple and tasty. We covered the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for perfecting the dish. I shared variations to suit different diets and storage info for leftovers. You can enjoy this meal fresh or reheated later. Experiment with flavors and ingredients to make it your own. Cooking should be fun, and these shells are a great way to enjoy good food. Now, grab your ingredients and start cooking!

Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells

Looking for a delicious and easy meal? Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells are a savory delight that's perfect for any dinner! With simple ingredients like ricotta, mozzarella, and fresh spinach, this recipe guides you step-by-step to create a comforting dish the whole family will love. Bake them until bubbly and golden for a dinner that's both quick and satisfying. Click through to explore the full recipe and enjoy this tasty creation tonight!
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Ingredients
  

12 jumbo pasta shells

2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated

1 egg, lightly beaten

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

2 cups marinara sauce

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

    Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.

      Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.

        Stuff the Shells: Gently fill each cooked pasta shell with the spinach cheese mixture. Place stuffed shells seam-side up in a 9x13 inch baking dish.

          Add Marinara Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are well covered.

            Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the marinara sauce.

              Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

                Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

                  Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 50 min | Servings: 4