Easy Stuffed Shells

$- Jumbo pasta shells - Ricotta cheese - Fresh spinach - Mozzarella cheese - Parmesan cheese - Large egg - Garlic powder - Italian seasoning - Marinara sauce - Salt and pepper - Fresh basil leaves To make delicious stuffed shells, you need these key ingredients. Jumbo pasta shells hold the filling well and give a nice bite. Ricotta cheese creates a creamy base, while fresh spinach adds a healthy touch. Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses bring rich, cheesy goodness. A large egg helps bind everything together. Garlic powder and Italian seasoning provide flavor. Marinara sauce adds moisture and taste, while salt and pepper season the dish. Finally, fresh basil leaves make a lovely garnish. - Additional cheeses (like feta or goat cheese) - Herbs (such as parsley or oregano) - Protein (like ground turkey or sausage) You can enhance your stuffed shells with optional ingredients. Add different cheeses for a unique twist. Feta or goat cheese can give a tangy flavor. Fresh herbs like parsley or oregano bring freshness. You can also mix in proteins like ground turkey or sausage for added heartiness. These choices allow you to customize the dish to your family's tastes. Making stuffed shells is fun, and you can use what you love. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps and tips to create this meal. 1. Cooking the pasta shells: First, boil salted water in a large pot. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook them until they are al dente. This usually takes around 10 minutes. After cooking, drain the shells and lay them on a clean towel to cool. 2. Mixing the stuffing ingredients: In a big bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, finely chopped spinach, half of the mozzarella, and a quarter of the Parmesan. Add the beaten egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy. 3. Prepping the baking dish with marinara sauce: Spread one cup of marinara sauce evenly at the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. This layer helps prevent the shells from sticking. 1. Filling each shell carefully: Take a cooked pasta shell and use a spoon to fill it with the cheese and spinach mix. Make sure to fill each shell generously. 2. Arranging in the baking dish: Place the filled shells seam-side up in the baking dish. Leave a bit of space between each shell for even cooking. 1. Covering and baking the stuffed shells: Pour the rest of the marinara sauce over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven at 375°F for 25 minutes. 2. Removing foil and achieving a brown top: After 25 minutes, carefully take off the foil. Bake for another 10-15 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown. Enjoy your Easy Stuffed Shells! For the complete recipe, check out the full recipe. To make great stuffed shells, start with the right pasta. Cook the shells until they are al dente. This keeps them firm and easy to fill. After cooking, let them cool on a towel. This step helps prevent them from sticking together. To avoid spills, fill each shell carefully. Use a spoon to scoop the filling. Don’t overstuff! Leave a little space at the top. This way, the filling won’t ooze out during baking. If you’re short on time, use pre-made marinara sauce. This saves you time and effort. Just pour it into the baking dish. It makes the recipe quicker without losing flavor. You need a few essential kitchen tools for this recipe: - A large pot for boiling pasta - A mixing bowl for the filling - A baking dish for the shells - A spoon for filling the shells Pair your stuffed shells with a simple side salad. A fresh green salad adds brightness to your meal. Garlic bread also makes a great side. It soaks up the extra sauce. For drinks, consider a light red wine. Chianti pairs well with the cheesy flavors. If you prefer white, a crisp Pinot Grigio is a nice choice. For the full recipe, be sure to follow along and enjoy making this comforting dish! {{image_4}} You can easily make stuffed shells healthier. First, consider using whole wheat or gluten-free shells. Both options offer great texture and taste. Whole wheat shells add fiber, while gluten-free options suit those with sensitivities. Next, swap in low-fat cheese options. Instead of regular ricotta or mozzarella, choose part-skim varieties. This change cuts down on fat but keeps the flavor. Your stuffed shells will still be creamy and delicious. Want to mix things up? Try different filling ideas! For meat lovers, ground beef or turkey works well. Brown the meat before mixing it with the cheese. This adds protein and a hearty taste. If you prefer vegetarian options, use various vegetables. Spinach is a classic, but you can add mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. Just sauté the veggies first to soften them. This gives the filling a fresh, vibrant flavor. Sauce can change everything about your dish. Instead of marinara, try Alfredo sauce for a creamy twist. The rich flavor pairs nicely with the stuffed shells. Another fun option is creamy pesto sauce. This adds a herby kick that brightens the dish. Both sauces bring a unique taste that keeps everyone excited for dinner. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps to make these easy stuffed shells. For leftovers, store your stuffed shells in an airtight container. Place a layer of plastic wrap over the dish before sealing. This keeps them fresh. You can refrigerate them for up to three days. If you want to save them for later, freeze unbaked stuffed shells. Wrap each shell in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, the oven is best. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place your stuffed shells in a baking dish. Cover with foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 25 minutes or until warm. If you use a microwave, place a damp paper towel over the dish. This helps keep them from drying out. Heat in short bursts, checking often until hot. Stuffed shells last about three days in the fridge. Always check for signs of spoilage. Look for an off smell or mold. If you see any changes, it’s best to throw them away. Keeping your ingredients fresh is key to a tasty meal. Always use fresh spinach and dairy for the best flavor. Yes, you can prep stuffed shells in advance. Cook the shells and fill them, then cover and chill. This saves time for busy nights. You can also freeze unbaked shells. Just thaw them overnight before baking. If you don't have ricotta, try cottage cheese or cream cheese. Cottage cheese gives a light texture. Cream cheese adds a rich flavor. Both options work well with spinach and herbs. Check if the cheese is melted and bubbly. The top should turn golden brown. Use a fork to peek inside a shell. The filling should be hot and creamy. You can use regular pasta, but it won't be the same. Penne or rotini can hold fillings too. Keep in mind, the cooking time may change based on pasta shape. I love topping stuffed shells with fresh herbs like basil or parsley. A sprinkle of extra cheese adds flavor. You can also drizzle olive oil or add a layer of marinara for extra moisture. For the full recipe, check out the detailed guide on Easy Stuffed Shells. We've explored how to make delicious stuffed shells. You learned about the key ingredients like jumbo pasta and ricotta cheese. We covered step-by-step instructions for making and baking them. Tips make the process easier, while variations offer fun twists. You now know storage methods and how to reheat leftovers. In these simple steps, you can create a comforting meal. Enjoy experimenting with flavors to make this dish your own.$

Looking for a delicious family-friendly meal? Try these Easy Stuffed Shells! This recipe features jumbo pasta shells filled with creamy ricotta, fresh spinach, and savory cheeses, all baked in rich marinara sauce for a comforting dinner delight. It’s simple to make and perfect for any occasion. Click through to discover the full recipe and tips to customize your stuffed shells for a tasty twist that everyone will love!

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Ingredients

20 jumbo pasta shells

2 cups ricotta cheese

1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

1 large egg, lightly beaten

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 cups marinara sauce

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until they're al dente. After draining, place them in a single layer on a clean kitchen towel or parchment paper to cool.

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese, and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese. Add the beaten egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a dash of salt and pepper. Stir the mixture until all ingredients are well incorporated and creamy.

Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly at the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish to ensure the shells don’t stick.

Carefully take each cooked pasta shell and, using a spoon, fill it generously with the cheese and spinach mixture. Arrange the stuffed shells seam-side up in the baking dish, ensuring a slight space between each shell.

Once all shells are filled and arranged, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the sauce for a cheesy topping that melts beautifully.

To avoid sticking, cover the dish with aluminum foil (consider spraying the foil with cooking spray beforehand). Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes.

After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.

Once baked, allow the shells to rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 50 minutes | 4 servings

- Presentation Tips: Serve the cheesy spinach-stuffed shells directly from the baking dish for a rustic feel, or transfer them onto individual plates for a more elegant presentation. Consider sprinkling extra Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil over the top for added flavor and visual appeal. Enjoy!