Best 8 Stuffed Shells With Spinach And Cheese Recipes

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**Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Cheese: A Culinary Symphony of Flavors and Textures**

Indulge in a culinary journey with our exquisite Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Cheese, a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. These colossal pasta shells are meticulously crafted and generously stuffed with a delectable filling of sautéed spinach, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and a medley of aromatic herbs. Bathed in a velvety tomato sauce and sprinkled with mozzarella cheese, these stuffed shells emerge from the oven as a golden-brown masterpiece, ready to transport you to culinary bliss. Our article presents three enticing variations of this classic dish: a vegetarian delight, a meat-lover's paradise, and a seafood extravaganza. Each recipe promises a unique flavor profile, ensuring that every palate finds its perfect match. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a culinary novice, our detailed instructions and helpful tips will guide you through the process, ensuring success in your kitchen.

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

SPINACH AND RICOTTA STUFFED SHELLS



Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells image

Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells. Jumbo pasta shells stuffed with three types of cheeses and topped with pasta sauce!

Provided by Kelley Simmons

Categories     Main Course

Time 45m

Number Of Ingredients 14

12-14 jumbo pasta shells
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 medium onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
4 cups fresh spinach
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
basil for serving (if desired)
extra parmesan cheese for serving (if desired)

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Cook pasta until al dente according to package directions.
  • Heat oil in a large skillet. Add onion and cook until tender about 3-4 minutes. Add in garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  • Add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
  • Transfer the spinach mixture to a large bowl and add in ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
  • Spread about 1/2 of the sauce in the bottom of a 8 x8 or 9 x 9 baking dish.
  • Stuff shells with the spinach cheese mixture and place in the baking dish.
  • Top with the remaining sauce and bake for 20-30 minutes or until warmed through.
  • Serve immediately with basil and parmesan cheese, if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 419 kcal, Carbohydrate 30 g, Protein 25 g, Fat 23 g, SaturatedFat 12 g, Cholesterol 103 mg, Sodium 1242 mg, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 6 g, ServingSize 1 serving

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

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.

SPINACH- AND CHEESE- STUFFED PASTA SHELLS



Spinach- and Cheese- Stuffed Pasta Shells image

Provided by Blair Box

Categories     Cheese     Pasta     Tomato     Bake     Vegetarian     Quick & Easy     High Fiber     Fennel     Bon Appétit     Costa Mesa     California

Yield Serves 6

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 10-ounce packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed
15 ounces ricotta cheese
1 cup (about 4 ounces) grated Parmesan
2 tablespoons fennel seeds
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or 2 teaspoons dried, crumbled
3 garlic cloves, minced
Salt and pepper
3 1/2 cups purchased marinara or spaghetti sauce
32 jumbo pasta shells, freshly cooked
Additional grated Parmesan

Steps:

  • Squeeze spinach dry. Transfer spinach to large bowl. Add ricotta, 1/2 cup Parmesan, fennel, basil and garlic to bowl. Season mixture with salt and pepper; blend.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Spoon 1/2 cup marinara sauce evenly over bottom of 9x13x2-inch baking dish. Fill each pasta shell with spinach mixture. Place shells, filling side up, in dish. Spoon remaining sauce over shells. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan. Cover loosely with foil and bake until heated through, about 30 minutes. Serve, passing additional Parmesan separately.

CHEESY STUFFED SHELLS



Cheesy Stuffed Shells image

This is a delicious baked pasta dish with large shells filled with meat, spinach and cheese that children always seem to love. It is kind of a 'spaghetti that behaves itself!'

Provided by Kimber

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 1h

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 (16 ounce) package jumbo pasta shells
½ pound Italian sausage
1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach - thawed, drained and squeezed dry
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 egg
3 cloves garlic, crushed
½ lemon, juiced
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
salt and pepper to taste
½ teaspoon dried oregano
2 cups spaghetti sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add shells and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain and rinse in cold water.
  • Place sausage in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium-high heat until evenly brown. Drain and crumble. In a large bowl, combine cooked sausage, spinach, ricotta cheese, egg, garlic, lemon juice and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt, pepper and oregano.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Stuff pasta shells with the sausage and cheese mixture and place in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with spaghetti sauce and mozzarella cheese.
  • Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the pasta is heated through and the cheese is melted.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 461.2 calories, Carbohydrate 51.9 g, Cholesterol 69.1 mg, Fat 18.4 g, Fiber 4.4 g, Protein 21.9 g, SaturatedFat 7.8 g, Sodium 741.3 mg, Sugar 6.1 g

STUFFED SHELLS FILLED WITH SPINACH AND RICOTTA



Stuffed Shells Filled With Spinach and Ricotta image

These are comforting and easy to put together. You can make them ahead and heat them in the oven when you're ready for dinner.

Provided by Martha Rose Shulman

Categories     dinner, weekday, pastas, main course

Time 1h

Yield About 40 shells, serving 6

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 pound baby spinach, rinsed, or 2 pounds bunch spinach, stemmed and washed thoroughly
Salt to taste
12 ounces giant pasta shells
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 to 2 garlic cloves, to taste, cut in half, green shoots removed
10 ounces ricotta cheese
1 egg, beaten
2 tablespoons minced chives
2 ounces Parmesan, grated about 1/2 cup
Freshly ground pepper
2 cups marinara sauce, preferably homemade

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt generously. Fill a bowl with ice water. Blanch the spinach for no more than 20 seconds, just until wilted, and transfer to the ice water, then drain. Squeeze out excess water. Bring the water in the pot back to a boil and add the pasta shells. Cook al dente, about 10 minutes, and drain and toss with the olive oil. Set aside.
  • Turn on a food processor fitted with the steel blade and drop in the garlic. When the garlic is chopped and adhering to the sides of the bowl, stop the machine and scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the spinach and pulse to chop finely. Add the ricotta and the egg and process until well blended. Add 1/3 cup of the Parmesan, the chives, and salt and pepper to taste. Pulse until well blended.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Oil a large baking dish or two 2-quart dishes. The shells should fit into the dish in one layer. Fill each shell with a scant tablespoon of the filling. Arrange in a single layer in the baking dish. Top with the tomato sauce and cover the dish with foil.
  • Bake 30 minutes in the preheated oven. Remove from the heat, sprinkle on the remaining Parmesan, and serve.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 424, UnsaturatedFat 6 grams, Carbohydrate 54 grams, Fat 14 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 21 grams, SaturatedFat 6 grams, Sodium 672 milligrams, Sugar 7 grams, TransFat 0 grams

STUFFED SHELLS (WITH SPINACH AND CHEESE)



Stuffed Shells (with Spinach and Cheese) image

A really unique stuffed shells recipe. I usually make this for company. The original recipe included one pound of bulk Italian sausage in the stuffing, which I have omitted for my own personal tastes. I'm getting hungry just typing this recipe and remembering how good it is!

Provided by Laura O.

Categories     Pasta Shells

Time 1h15m

Yield 10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 21

1 large onion, chopped
1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, well drained
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 egg, beaten
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided (8 oz)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (8 oz)
1 cup cottage cheese
1/4 grated parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 dash cinnamon (optional)
20 large shell noodles, cooked and drained
1 (29 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 tablespoon dried onion flakes
1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
1 1/2 teaspoons parsley flakes
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • In a skillet, cook onion until tender.
  • Transfer to a large bowl.
  • Stir in the spinach, cream cheese, and egg.
  • Add 1 cup mozzarella, cheddar, cottage cheese, parmesan, salt, pepper, and cinnamon if desired; mix well.
  • Stuff shells and arrange in a greased 13x9x2 baking dish.
  • Combine sauce ingredients; mix well.
  • Pour over shells.
  • Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes.
  • Uncover; sprinkle with remaining mozzarella.
  • Return to oven for 5 minutes or until cheese melts.

Tips:

  • Use fresh ingredients: Fresh spinach, ricotta cheese, and Parmesan cheese will give your stuffed shells the best flavor.
  • Blanch the spinach: Blanching the spinach will help to remove excess moisture and make it easier to work with.
  • Season the filling: Be sure to season the filling with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste.
  • Use a large pot: You will need a large pot to cook the stuffed shells in. Make sure the pot is large enough to hold all of the shells in a single layer.
  • Simmer the stuffed shells: Simmer the stuffed shells in the tomato sauce for at least 30 minutes, or until the shells are cooked through.
  • Serve the stuffed shells immediately: Stuffed shells are best served immediately after they are cooked.

Conclusion:

Stuffed shells with spinach and cheese are a delicious and easy-to-make meal. They are perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With a few simple tips, you can make sure that your stuffed shells turn out perfectly every time.

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