Best 2 Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells Recipes

Indulge in a culinary journey with this collection of cheesy spinach stuffed shells recipes, a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Embark on a culinary adventure with our hearty and comforting classic cheesy spinach stuffed shells, where tender pasta shells are filled with a luscious blend of creamy ricotta, spinach, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses, baked to perfection in a rich tomato sauce. For a delightful twist, try our sun-dried tomato and pesto stuffed shells, where sun-dried tomatoes and aromatic pesto add a burst of Mediterranean flavors. Explore the vibrant flavors of our roasted red pepper and goat cheese stuffed shells, where roasted red peppers and tangy goat cheese create a harmonious balance. If you seek a vegetarian delight, our spinach and mushroom stuffed shells offer a medley of textures and flavors, featuring sautéed mushrooms and spinach enveloped in a creamy sauce. Each recipe promises a unique culinary experience, ensuring that every bite is a celebration of taste.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

CHEESY SPINACH-STUFFED SHELLS

Cheesy Spinach-Stuffed Shells image

This is my own personal recipe. I'm very proud of it because I am still a beginner cook and it was the first recipe I created. You can adjust it to your liking by doubling the spinach or adding some meat. -Laci Hooten, McKinney, Texas

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 1h30m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 15

Ingredients

1 package (12 ounces) jumbo pasta shells
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 small onion, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 carton (15 ounces) part-skim ricotta cheese
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
2 tablespoons minced fresh basil or 2 teaspoons dried basil
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 can (4-1/4 ounces) chopped ripe olives
1-1/2 cups shredded Italian cheese blend, divided
1-1/2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
Additional minced fresh basil, optional

Steps:

Preheat oven to 375°. Cook pasta shells according to package directions for al dente. Drain; rinse with cold water., Meanwhile, in a small skillet, heat butter over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and onion; cook and stir until vegetables are tender, 4-6 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Remove from heat; cool slightly., In a large bowl, mix eggs, ricotta cheese, spinach, basil and pepper. Stir in olives, mushroom mixture and 3/4 cup each cheese blend and mozzarella cheese., Spread 1 cup sauce into a 13x9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Fill pasta shells with cheese mixture; place in baking dish, overlapping ends slightly. Spoon remaining sauce over top., Bake, covered, until heated through, 40-45 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with remaining cheeses. Bake until cheese is melted, about 5 minutes longer. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. If desired, sprinkle with additional basil.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 313 calories, Fat 13g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 65mg cholesterol, Sodium 642mg sodium, Carbohydrate 32g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

CHEESY SPINACH STUFFED SHELLS

Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells image

Want comfort food on demand? These family-friendly baked shells can be assembled ahead and refrigerated or frozen so they're ready to pop in the oven with no day-of work.

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 20

Ingredients

Sauce
28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon sugar
Pasta Shells
24 large pasta shells (about 3/4 of a 12 ounce box)
Filling
16 ounces (2 cups) cottage cheese
15 ounces (about 2 cups) part skim ricotta cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
10 ounces frozen, chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry of excess liquid
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
6 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded (about 1 1/2 cups)

Steps:

For the sauce, combine all the ingredients in a medium saucepan and bring to a simmer. Continue simmering for 10-15 minutes. Remove from the heat.
While the sauce simmers, in a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the pasta shells al dente according to package directions. Drain and immediately place them in an even layer on paper towels or parchment.
For the filling, in a medium bowl, stir together the cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, salt, pepper, parsley, oregano and basil. Add the spinach and mix until combined. Stir in the cheeses.
Lightly grease a 9X13-inch pan with cooking spray and preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spoon about half of the sauce on the bottom of the prepared pan and spread evenly. Fill each pasta shell with an even amount of the filling (about 1/4 cup per shell, more or less) and place the shells on top of the sauce in the pan - making three rows of eight shells.
Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the top of the shells. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35-40 minutes. Uncover and bake five or so more minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and let the shells sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.

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Tips for Making Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells

Cook the Pasta Al Dente: Make sure to cook the pasta shells al dente, meaning they should be slightly firm to the bite. This will prevent them from becoming too soft and mushy when you bake them.
Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach is best for this recipe, as it will give the filling a vibrant green color and a more flavorful taste. If you only have frozen spinach, be sure to thaw and squeeze out as much excess water as possible before using.
Sauté the Spinach: Sautéing the spinach with garlic and olive oil will help to bring out its flavor and make it more tender.
Use a Good Quality Cheese: The type of cheese you use will greatly affect the flavor of the stuffed shells. Use a combination of ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese for a rich and creamy filling.
Season the Filling Generously: Be sure to season the spinach filling generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This will help to enhance the flavor of the filling.
Stuff the Shells Carefully: Use a small spoon to carefully stuff the shells with the spinach filling. Be careful not to overstuff the shells, as they may burst open during baking.
Bake the Stuffed Shells Until Golden Brown: Bake the stuffed shells in a preheated oven until they are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. This will take about 20-25 minutes.
Serve Immediately: Serve the cheesy spinach stuffed shells immediately, while they are hot and fresh. You can garnish them with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, such as basil or oregano.

Conclusion

Cheesy spinach stuffed shells are a delicious and versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a side dish. They are perfect for a special occasion or a casual weeknight meal. With a few simple tips, you can make cheesy spinach stuffed shells that are sure to impress your family and friends. So, what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try today!