Best 7 Decadent Spinach Stuffed Shells Recipes

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Indulge in a culinary journey with our decadent spinach-stuffed shells, a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Envision delicate jumbo pasta shells generously filled with a luscious mixture of spinach, ricotta, Parmesan, and herbs, enveloped in a rich and velvety tomato sauce. This delectable dish is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, with a crispy exterior yielding to a soft and creamy interior. Accompanying this main course are three equally enticing recipes: a refreshing spinach salad with a tangy lemon-tahini dressing, a creamy mushroom sauce that adds a touch of umami, and a classic garlic bread that perfectly complements the savory flavors of the stuffed shells. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will leave you craving more.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

SPINACH STUFFED SHELLS



Spinach Stuffed Shells image

Spinach Stuffed Shells are an easy and healthy vegetarian dinner recipe that can be prepared in advance!

Provided by Blair Lonergan

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 (12 ounce) package jumbo pasta shells
2 (10 ounce) packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed
15 ounces ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce (about 2 ½ cups total)

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9 x 13-inch dish with cooking spray. Pour half of the marinara sauce into the bottom of the dish. Save the rest of the sauce for later.
  • Prepare pasta according to package instructions; drain and rinse under cold water.
  • Squeeze all of the liquid out of the spinach. I like to use a dish towel for this, and just keep squeezing until you wring out as much water as possible. Place spinach in a large bowl.
  • Add ricotta, 1 ½ cups of the mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, basil, salt and garlic powder to the bowl with the spinach and stir really well with a fork to combine. Add a pinch of optional nutmeg, if desired. Stuff each shell with about 2 tablespoons of the spinach mixture.
  • Arrange stuffed shells in the prepared baking dish, open side up. Pour remaining half of the marinara sauce over top. Sprinkle with remaining ½ cup of mozzarella.
  • Cover with foil and bake for about 30 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil cover during the final 5-10 minutes to allow the cheese to get a little bit crispy on top.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 /8 of the recipe, Calories 329.5 kcal, Carbohydrate 31.5 g, Protein 20.8 g, Fat 13.7 g, SaturatedFat 7.1 g, Cholesterol 58.1 mg, Sodium 891.8 mg, Fiber 3.8 g, Sugar 6.3 g, UnsaturatedFat 3.4 g

DECADENT SPINACH-STUFFED SHELLS



Decadent Spinach-Stuffed Shells image

I created this comforting stuffed shells dish to serve on Christmas Eve, but it's so good we enjoy it all year long. It can easily be assembled and frozen to bake at a later date. If you have any leftover cheese mixture, it can be served as a dip, either cold or spooned into ramekins and baked until browned. If you don't like roasted red peppers, feel free to substitute chopped sun-dried tomatoes in the filling and any other pasta sauce. -Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, CO

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 50m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 package (12 ounces) jumbo pasta shells
1 jar (24 ounces) roasted red pepper and garlic pasta sauce, divided
2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1 cup roasted garlic Alfredo sauce
Dash salt
Dash pepper
Dash crushed red pepper flakes, optional
2 cups shredded Italian cheese blend
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1/2 cup finely chopped water-packed artichoke hearts
1/4 cup finely chopped roasted sweet red pepper
Additional Parmesan cheese, optional

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. Cook pasta shells according to package directions for al dente. Drain., Spread 1 cup sauce into a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, Alfredo sauce and seasonings until blended. Stir in cheeses and vegetables. Spoon into shells. Arrange in prepared baking dish., Pour remaining sauce over top. Bake, covered, 20 minutes. If desired, sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese. Bake, uncovered, 10-15 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 389 calories, Fat 22g fat (13g saturated fat), Cholesterol 70mg cholesterol, Sodium 707mg sodium, Carbohydrate 33g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 14g protein.

SPINACH STUFFED SHELLS WITH WHITE SAUCE



Spinach Stuffed Shells with White Sauce image

Here's a creamy and delicious, vegetarian main dish from Debbie Herbert in Seymour, Indiana. It's easy to assemble and looks like you really fussed. Serve with a leafy salad, crusty garlic bread and thirst-quenching iced tea.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 50m

Yield 5 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

15 uncooked jumbo pasta shells
1 envelope white sauce mix
1 cup 4% cottage cheese
1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1 large egg white
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Dash pepper
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 tablespoon shredded Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, prepare white sauce according to package directions; set aside., Preheat oven to 375°. In a small bowl, combine cottage cheese, mozzarella cheese, egg white, basil, garlic powder, pepper and half of the spinach (save remaining spinach for another use). Pour half of the white sauce into a greased 11x7-in. baking dish. , Drain pasta and rinse in cold water; stuff each shell with 2 tablespoons spinach mixture. Arrange over sauce. Top with remaining white sauce. , Cover and bake 25 minutes or until heated through. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 302 calories, Fat 11g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 27mg cholesterol, Sodium 646mg sodium, Carbohydrate 35g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 18g protein.

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

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

SPINACH-RICOTTA STUFFED SHELLS



Spinach-Ricotta Stuffed Shells image

Jumbo pasta shells stuffed with ricotta cheese and baked in tomato sauce is a comforting classic. For this version, add in loads of cooked greens to the filling to add a fresh and colorful vegetable component, without skimping on the oozy cheese.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h30m

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
2 28-ounce cans San Marzano tomatoes, crushed by hand
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Pinch of red pepper flakes, plus more for topping
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
Kosher salt
9 ounces jumbo pasta shells (30 to 34 shells)
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 8-ounce bag fresh spinach
2 cups ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
1/3 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
1 large egg, beaten
Freshly ground pepper

Steps:

  • Make the sauce: Heat the olive oil in a large wide pot over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook, stirring, until thickened, 15 to 20 minutes; season with salt. (You should have about 4 heaping cups of sauce.)
  • Make the stuffed shells: Preheat the oven to 375˚ F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook as the label directs for baking, about 9 minutes. Rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Spread out on a baking sheet.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the spinach and cook, tossing occasionally, until wilted, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove to a large plate lined with a kitchen towel. Squeeze to remove any excess liquid, then finely chop.
  • Put the spinach in a large bowl and add the ricotta, mozzarella, parsley, Parmesan, lemon zest, beaten egg, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper. Stir until combined.
  • To assemble, spread about half of the sauce in the bottom of a 10-by-14-inch baking dish. Evenly fill the shells with the spinach-ricotta mixture using a spoon, or pipe it in using a pastry bag. Arrange the shells side by side, open-side up, in the baking dish on top of the sauce, then top with the remaining sauce.
  • Cover the dish with foil and bake until heated through and the sauce is simmering around the edges, about 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake until any shells or cheese poking through the sauce are lightly browned in spots, about 10 more minutes. Let sit 10 minutes. Top with more Parmesan and red pepper flakes.

STUFFED PASTA SHELLS



Stuffed Pasta Shells image

These savory shells never fail to make a big impression, even though the recipe is very easy. One or two of these shells makes a great individual serving at a potluck, so a single batch goes a long way. -Jena Coffey, St. Louis, Missouri

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 45m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 6

4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 carton (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 package (12 ounces) jumbo pasta shells, cooked and drained
3-1/2 cups spaghetti sauce
Grated Parmesan cheese, optional

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. Combine cheeses and spinach; stuff into shells. Arrange in a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Pour spaghetti sauce over the shells. Cover and bake until heated through, about 30 minutes. If desired, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese after baking.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 314 calories, Fat 13g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 44mg cholesterol, Sodium 576mg sodium, Carbohydrate 32g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 18g protein.

SPINACH AND CHEESE STUFFED PASTA SHELLS



Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Pasta Shells image

Magnificent jumbo pasta shells stuffed to bursting with cheesy spinach filling.

Provided by KITKATY

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 1h20m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 9

32 jumbo pasta shells
2 cups ricotta cheese
2 (10 ounce) packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fennel seed
2 teaspoons dried basil
4 cloves garlic, minced
salt and pepper to taste
3 ½ cups spaghetti sauce

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to boil, gently place pasta shells in boiling water; bring water back to boil. Cook until noodles are just tender; drain well.
  • Squeeze spinach dry. Combine spinach, ricotta, 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, fennel, basil and garlic in a large mixing bowl. Season with salt and pepper; mix well.
  • Spread 1/2 cup marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • Fill each pasta shell with the spinach cheese mixture. Arrange the shells, filling side up in the baking dish. Spoon remaining marinara sauce over the shells. Sprinkle remaining Parmesan cheese on top of the shells.
  • Cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil and bake in preheated oven until heated through; about 30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 702.9 calories, Carbohydrate 94.9 g, Cholesterol 59.4 mg, Fat 21.3 g, Fiber 10.2 g, Protein 33 g, SaturatedFat 11 g, Sodium 1004 mg, Sugar 15.7 g

Tips:

  • Choose fresh spinach: Fresh spinach has a vibrant green color and crisp texture. Avoid wilted or yellowed spinach.
  • Blanch the spinach: Blanching the spinach helps to preserve its color and nutrients. To blanch the spinach, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted. Immediately transfer the spinach to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
  • Squeeze out the excess water: After blanching the spinach, squeeze out as much excess water as possible. This will help to prevent the filling from becoming watery.
  • Use a variety of cheeses: The combination of ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese creates a rich and flavorful filling. You can also add other types of cheese, such as cottage cheese or goat cheese.
  • Season the filling: Be sure to season the filling with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You can also add other herbs and spices, such as Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes.
  • Use a large baking dish: Make sure to use a large baking dish so that the shells don't overlap. This will help to ensure that the shells cook evenly.
  • Cover the baking dish: Cover the baking dish with foil during the first part of the baking time. This will help to prevent the shells from drying out.
  • Serve immediately: Spinach stuffed shells are best served immediately after they are baked. The shells will become soggy if they sit for too long.

Conclusion:

Spinach stuffed shells is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner. The combination of fresh spinach, creamy cheese, and flavorful sauce makes this dish a winner. With a few simple tips, you can easily make this dish at home. So next time you're looking for a tasty and satisfying meal, give spinach stuffed shells a try!

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