Imagine diving into a dish so creamy, so rich, and so irresistibly delicious that it transforms an ordinary dinner into a gourmet experience. These Stuffed Pasta Shells are not just a meal; they're a culinary journey through the heart of Italian comfort food. Packed with three types of cheese, tender spinach, and smothered in a luscious marinara sauce, this recipe promises to turn even the most ordinary evening into an extraordinary dining adventure that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 12 large pasta shells
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your oven is hot and ready for baking the stuffed pasta shells.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the 12 large pasta shells and cook according to the package instructions until they are al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta shells are cooking, prepare the filling. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of ricotta cheese, 1 cup of chopped spinach, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Once the pasta shells are cooked, drain them carefully and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside to cool slightly.
- In a baking dish, spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom. This will prevent the pasta shells from sticking and add flavor.
- Using a spoon, carefully stuff each pasta shell with the ricotta and spinach mixture, filling them generously. Place the stuffed shells in the baking dish on top of the marinara sauce.
- Once all the shells are filled and arranged in the baking dish, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top of the shells.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the stuffed shells and sauce.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from burning and to keep the moisture in.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once cooked, remove the baking dish from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes to cool slightly before serving.
- Serve the stuffed pasta shells warm, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh basil if desired. Enjoy your delicious Italian meal!
Tips
- Cook pasta shells just until al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking.
- Use a spoon or piping bag to easily and neatly fill the pasta shells with the cheese mixture.
- For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or fresh herbs like basil to the ricotta filling.
- Allow the dish to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help the cheese set and make serving easier.
- For a protein boost, mix in some cooked ground beef or Italian sausage with the ricotta filling.
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute part-skim ricotta and mozzarella cheeses.
- Ensure your marinara sauce is flavorful, as it will significantly impact the overall taste of the dish.
- For a crispy top, broil the dish for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking to achieve a golden-brown cheese crust.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 244kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
