Easy Spinach Stuffed Shells
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Recipe Intro From pestoandpotatoes
Looking for a quick and comforting dinner idea? These Easy Spinach Stuffed Shells are the perfect solution for busy weeknights or when you need a hearty, vegetarian dish that pleases the whole family. Featuring nutrient-rich spinach and a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses, this recipe pairs beautifully with crusty bread and a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
Plus, it's made even more convenient with the rich, flavorful Muir Glen Classic Marinara Sauce. You can prepare it ahead of time, making dinner prep even easier!
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Recipe Card
ingredients
- 8 ounces large pasta shells
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded skim-milk mozzarella cheese, divided
- 3/4 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese, divided (plus extra for serving)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 5 cups chopped fresh baby spinach
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 (24 ounce) jar Muir Glen Classic Marinara Sauce
Method
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Step 2
Cook the pasta shells according to the package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cool water, and set aside.
Step 3
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step 4
Add baby spinach and sauté until wilted, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 5
In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, and ½ cup parmesan cheese with the egg. Stir until smooth.
Step 6
Add chopped basil, kosher salt, and black pepper. Fold in the cooked spinach and garlic. Transfer the mixture to a piping bag (or use a zip-top bag with a corner cut).
Step 7
Spread half of the marinara sauce in the bottom of a 2.5-quart baking dish.
Step 8
Pipe the cheese filling into each cooked pasta shell and arrange them in a single layer over the sauce.
Step 9
Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, filling in any gaps. Sprinkle with the remaining ½ cup mozzarella cheese.
Step 10
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake on the middle rack for 25 minutes.
Step 11
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the sauce bubbles and the cheese is melted.
Step 12
Remove from the oven and sprinkle with the remaining ¼ cup parmesan cheese. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.