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To make cheesy spinach stuffed shells, you will need: - 20 jumbo pasta shells - 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 large egg - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme) - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 cups marinara sauce - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Fresh basil leaves for garnish You can swap some ingredients for different flavors. Replace ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter taste. Use goat cheese instead for a tangy twist. If you want more veggies, add mushrooms or bell peppers. For a dairy-free option, try cashew cheese. Fresh ingredients make a big difference in flavor. Look for bright green spinach without spots. Check if the pasta shells are intact and not broken. When buying cheese, choose whole milk varieties for creaminess. Local farmers' markets often have fresh herbs. This way, you ensure your dish is vibrant and tasty. To make cheesy spinach stuffed shells, start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil 20 jumbo pasta shells in salted water. Cook until they are al dente, then drain and let them cool. In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for about one minute. Next, add 2 cups of chopped spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts, which takes around 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat and let the spinach cool a bit. In a bowl, mix 1 cup of ricotta, 1/2 cup of mozzarella, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan, and 1 large egg. Add the sautéed spinach, 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs, and some salt and pepper. Stir the mixture until it's well combined. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Now, stuff each jumbo shell with the cheese and spinach mix. Place the stuffed shells into the baking dish. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells, and top with the rest of the mozzarella cheese. Cover the dish with aluminum foil, then bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes. The cheese should be bubbly and golden. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. If you like, garnish with fresh basil leaves to add a nice touch. To ensure your cheesy spinach stuffed shells turn out great, attention to detail is key. The first step is to watch the pasta. Cook it just until it’s al dente. Overcooking will make the shells too soft to hold the filling. Next, sauté the garlic and spinach. This step adds depth to the flavor. Always let the mixture cool slightly before stuffing the shells. This prevents burning your fingers and ensures the cheese melts perfectly during baking. When you stuff the shells, be gentle. You want them full but not bursting. Finally, covering the dish with foil traps moisture. This keeps the shells from drying out while baking. A visual guide can help you see each step clearly. When you boil the shells, they should look firm but not hard. The sautéed spinach should be bright green and wilted. When mixing the cheese, aim for a creamy texture. As you stuff the shells, each should resemble a little pillow full of goodness. Before baking, your dish should look vibrant with red marinara and white cheese. After baking, the cheese should be bubbly and slightly golden. A picture of the final dish can inspire you to dig in. For an added touch, fresh basil leaves on top will make it look restaurant-worthy. For the full recipe, check the details in the earlier sections. To keep your pasta shells firm, cook them only until al dente. Follow the package instructions closely. Start checking them a couple of minutes before the time ends. Drain them right away and rinse with cold water. This stops the cooking process. If you let them sit in hot water, they will turn mushy. Seasoning is key to making these shells pop with flavor. I suggest adding salt and pepper to your cheese mixture. Also, consider fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an extra boost. You can even mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. Use quality marinara sauce, as it adds depth. A good sauce makes a big difference. To make your dish look appealing, layer the marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. After stuffing the shells, arrange them neatly. Pour more sauce on top and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Once baked, let them cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a bright finish. Serve with a side salad for a complete meal. For the full recipe, check out the previous section. {{image_2}} You can switch up the cheeses in this dish. Try using goat cheese for a tangy taste. Feta cheese adds a salty kick that works well too. For a creamier filling, use mascarpone instead of ricotta. Each cheese brings its own unique flavor, making your stuffed shells special. You can boost the nutrition by adding proteins or extra veggies. Cooked chicken, ground turkey, or even sausage can make these shells heartier. If you like more veggies, try adding mushrooms or bell peppers to the filling. This not only adds flavor but also makes the dish more colorful. Baking is my favorite way to cook these stuffed shells. It gives the cheese a nice, bubbly crust. However, you can also cook them on the stovetop. Just simmer the shells in a pan with marinara sauce until heated through. Both methods work well, so choose what fits your time and taste. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. To keep your cheesy spinach stuffed shells fresh, store them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool to room temperature before sealing. This helps avoid sogginess and keeps the flavors intact. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the shells in a baking dish and cover them with foil. This keeps the shells moist. Heat for about 15 to 20 minutes. You can also add a splash of marinara sauce on top to enhance the moisture. If you prefer using a microwave, cover the dish with a damp paper towel. This keeps the steam in and prevents drying out. If you want to freeze stuffed shells, do it before baking. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To bake, let them thaw overnight in the fridge. Then, add a bit more marinara sauce and bake as usual. Enjoy your delicious meal later without losing flavor! For the full recipe, check out the Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells section. Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells stay fresh for about three to five days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container to keep them safe from air and moisture. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If they smell off or look strange, it’s best to toss them out. Yes, you can make these stuffed shells ahead of time. Prepare them, then cover and refrigerate them for up to a day before baking. This makes it easy to enjoy a warm meal on a busy day. Just remember to bake them longer if they are cold from the fridge. To reheat Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells, use the oven for the best results. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the shells in a baking dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warm. You can also use the microwave, but this may make the pasta a bit soft. Enjoy these shells hot for the best taste! You learned about the ingredients and steps for making Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells. I shared tips for cooking, storing, and serving these delicious shells. Remember, you can tweak the recipe to suit your taste. Try different cheeses, add meat, or change how you cook them. With these ideas, you can impress anyone with your dish. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells

Discover the deliciousness of Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells with this easy recipe! Made with jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy mixture of ricotta, spinach, and mozzarella, this dish is perfect for cozy dinners. Follow our simple steps for a cheesy, flavorful meal that will impress your family and friends. Ready to create a culinary masterpiece? Click through to explore the full recipe and get cooking!
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Ingredients
  

20 jumbo pasta shells

2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 large egg

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)

Salt and pepper to taste

2 cups marinara sauce

1 tablespoon olive oil

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

    Boil the jumbo pasta shells in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.

      In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

        Add the chopped spinach to the skillet, cooking until wilted (2-3 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

          In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, sautéed spinach, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

            Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.

              Stuff each jumbo shell with the spinach and cheese mixture, placing them in the baking dish.

                Once all shells are stuffed, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top, and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.

                  Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

                    Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

                      Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

                        Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes | Servings: 4