Creamy Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Shells Recipe for Dinner Joy

Pasta lovers rejoice as these delectable spinach and cheese stuffed shells bring comfort straight to your dinner table.

Jumbo pasta shells packed with creamy cheese and vibrant spinach create a mouthwatering Italian-inspired meal.

Every bite promises rich, satisfying flavors that dance across your palate.

The combination of tender pasta, melted cheese, and nutritious spinach delivers a perfect balance of indulgence and wholesome goodness.

Soft ricotta blends seamlessly with fresh spinach, creating a filling that’s both luxurious and hearty.

Simple ingredients come together to craft an impressive dish that feels like a restaurant-quality meal prepared right in your kitchen.

You’ll want to savor every single shell and impress everyone gathered around the table with this irresistible recipe.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

Spinach & Cheese Stuffed Shells Ingredient List

• Jumbo Shells: Sturdy pasta pockets perfect for capturing creamy, cheesy fillings; choose large, unbroken shells for best presentation.

• Ricotta Cheese, Cream Cheese, Mozzarella, Parmesan: Luxurious dairy blend creating rich, tangy texture; select fresh, high-quality cheeses for maximum flavor complexity.
• Egg: Binding agent that helps hold filling together and provides silky consistency; use fresh, room temperature egg for smoother mixture.
• Fresh Spinach: Vibrant green vegetable adding nutritional boost and earthy undertones; choose crisp, bright leaves without wilting.
• Garlic: Aromatic flavor enhancer that provides deep, savory notes; select firm, plump cloves with no sprouting.

• Olive Oil: Gentle cooking medium for sautéing garlic and wilting spinach; opt for extra virgin for richer taste.
• Marinara Sauce: Bright, tangy base that complements cheesy filling; choose authentic, well-seasoned sauce.
• Fresh Parsley: Delicate herb for garnishing, adding color and fresh herbal note; select bright green, fragrant leaves.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers; use freshly ground black pepper for maximum impact.

Tools to Fill & Bake Pasta Shells

• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining ricotta, cheese, and seasonings smoothly.
• Skillet: Essential for sautéing garlic and spinach with olive oil.
• 9×13-inch Casserole Dish: Ideal for assembling and baking the stuffed shells.
• Colander: Needed to drain pasta shells after boiling.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for folding ingredients and stirring mixtures.
• Sharp Knife: Useful for chopping parsley for garnish.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helps ensure precise ingredient quantities.

How to Prep Cheesy Stuffed Shells

• Kitchen Preparation

Organize your cooking space with all necessary tools and preheat the oven to a cozy 375 degrees for a delightful baking experience.

• Pasta Foundation

Gently cook pasta shells in salted water, removing them slightly before they reach full tenderness to ensure perfect texture when baked.

• Spinach Magic

Sauté fresh garlic in olive oil, then add vibrant green spinach, letting it transform into a soft, delicate mixture that will bring incredible flavor to the dish.

• Cheese Blend

Create a creamy filling by mixing ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, cream cheese, and a single egg, folding in the cooled spinach for a rich, complex taste.

• Assembly

Spread marinara sauce across the baking dish, carefully stuff each shell with the luxurious cheese mixture, then top with remaining sauce and a sprinkle of extra cheese.

• Baking Perfection

Cover the dish and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and continue baking until the cheese bubbles and turns a golden, appetizing color.

• Final Touch

Garnish with fresh parsley to add a bright, herbal note that elevates the entire dish and makes it look professionally prepared.

Creamy Tips & Savory Twists

• Swap traditional cheeses with creative alternatives like fontina, gouda, or provolone for unique flavor profiles that elevate the classic recipe.
• Boost nutritional value by adding cooked ground turkey, chicken, or crumbled Italian sausage to the spinach and cheese mixture for a heartier meal.
• Prepare the stuffed shells up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 5-10 extra minutes to cooking time.
• Experiment with additional vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes to add depth and complexity to the filling.
• Kick the flavor profile by incorporating red pepper flakes, fresh basil, or a sprinkle of Italian herb blend into the cheese mixture for an extra burst of excitement.

Pasta Shell Plating Ideas

• Pair with Fresh Salad: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy shells and add fresh texture.
• Create a Complete Meal: Add garlic bread or crusty Italian bread to soak up extra marinara sauce and complement the cheesy pasta dish.
• Plate with Wine Suggestion: Pour a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to enhance the flavors of spinach and cheese stuffed shells.
• Garnish Beautifully: Sprinkle extra chopped fresh parsley just before serving to add bright color and subtle herbal freshness to the dish.

Reheating and Storage for Creamy Goodness

• Maximize Fresh Flavors: Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ensuring maximum taste and texture preservation.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Wrap individual portions or the entire dish tightly in freezer-safe containers or aluminum foil. Frozen stuffed shells maintain quality for 2-3 months.
• Reheat with Care: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in the oven at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Smart Prep Strategy: Assemble the dish a day ahead and refrigerate unbaked. When ready to serve, simply pop in the oven, adding 5-10 extra minutes to cooking time for perfect results.

Cheesy Spinach And Cheese Stuffed Shells Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Shells deliver classic Italian comfort with creamy ricotta and fresh spinach nestled in tender pasta shells. Guaranteed crowd-pleasing meal will satisfy pasta cravings and bring Mediterranean warmth to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 18 jumbo pasta shells (boil extra in case some break)
• 4 cups spinach
• 15 oz (425 g) ricotta cheese
• 3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded and divided
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 24 oz (680 g) marinara sauce
• 2 tbsps cream cheese
• 1 egg
• 1–2 tbsps olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp pepper
• ½ tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp dried parsley
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• Fresh parsley, to garnish

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Ignite the oven to 375°F (190°C) and position a 9×13-inch baking vessel for the pasta shells.
2. Pasta Transformation: Immerse pasta shells in heavily salted water, cooking 1 minute shy of al dente. Swiftly drain and shower with cold water to interrupt cooking.
3. Aromatic Foundation: Heat olive oil in a skillet, introducing minced garlic and sautéing until fragrant. Cascade fresh spinach into the pan, wilting completely until tender. Set aside to cool.
4. Cheese Fusion: Merge ricotta, cream cheese, egg, mozzarella, Parmesan, and seasonings in a robust mixing bowl. Integrate the cooled spinach-garlic medley, ensuring uniform distribution.
5. Layering Strategy: Cascade half the marinara across the baking dish’s base. Meticulously fill each shell with the cheese-spinach blend, nestling them strategically in the sauce.
6. Final Embellishment: Blanket the shells with remaining marinara, crown with residual mozzarella and Parmesan. Shield with aluminum foil, then bake for 20 minutes.
7. Crisp Finale: Unveil the foil, continue baking 10 minutes until cheese transforms golden and bubbly. Allow a 5-minute restoration period before garnishing with fresh parsley and serving.

Notes

• Pasta Precision: Cook shells 1 minute less than package instructions for perfect texture that won’t become mushy during baking.
• Spinach Cooling Technique: Allow spinach to cool completely before mixing with cheese to prevent watery filling and maintain stuffing consistency.
• Cheese Blending Pro Tip: Soften cream cheese beforehand and mix ingredients thoroughly to create a smooth, creamy filling without lumps.
• Baking Cover Strategy: Use aluminum foil for initial baking to prevent cheese from burning and ensure even heating, then uncover to achieve golden, bubbly top.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 21 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg