Description
Oh, dear friends, are you in for a treat today! Get ready to indulge in a dish that’s not only hearty and satisfying but also as comforting as a warm hug on a chilly evening. These Heavenly Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells are a perfect symphony of flavors that even the pickiest eaters will fall in love with. Ready your aprons, because we’re diving into a world of creamy, cheesy goodness that’s bound to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
Scale
- 24 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Mix Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, beaten egg, spinach, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stuff Shells: Spoon the ricotta mixture into each pasta shell, filling them generously.
- Assemble: Spread half of the marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells over the sauce, then top with the remaining marinara.
- Bake: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Let the dish cool for a few minutes, then sprinkle with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- Spinach Tip: To keep the spinach vibrant and green, quickly blanch it before chopping and adding to the ricotta mixture.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. A mix of mozzarella and fontina can offer a wonderful melt and a richer flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 shells
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg