. Start by cooking the jumbo pasta shells. Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the shells and cook until they are al dente, which takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and let it cool for a bit. Make sure the shells do not stick together. You want them soft, but firm enough to hold the filling later. In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan. Add the beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper. Mix everything well until it forms a creamy filling. The spinach adds a fresh taste, while the cheeses give a rich flavor. Now it's time to stuff those shells. Use a spoon or a piping bag to fill each shell with the spinach and cheese mixture. Be generous, but don’t overfill. Place the filled shells seam-side up in a baking dish. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of the dish first. This keeps the shells from sticking and adds flavor. Cover the stuffed shells with aluminum foil and bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. This helps them heat up evenly. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella on top. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let the shells cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a nice touch. For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section. To cook pasta shells perfectly, start by using a large pot. Fill it with water and add salt. The salt helps flavor the pasta. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Then, add the jumbo shells gently. Stir them to prevent sticking. Cook the shells for 8 to 10 minutes until they are al dente. This means they should be firm but not hard. After cooking, drain the shells and let them cool. This step helps with stuffing later. A great cheese blend makes your dish stand out. For Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells, mix ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Ricotta adds creaminess. Mozzarella gives that stretchy texture, while Parmesan adds a sharp taste. Use fresh cheeses for the best flavor. I recommend using shredded mozzarella and freshly grated Parmesan. Combine these cheeses with spinach and seasonings for a tasty filling. This mix ensures every bite is cheesy and delightful. When serving Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells, think about balance. A fresh salad pairs well with the rich flavors. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette is refreshing. If you want to add crunch, serve with garlic bread. The bread soaks up the marinara sauce beautifully. You can also top the shells with fresh basil for color and flavor. A glass of red wine complements the dish nicely. For a fun twist, try a light Italian white wine. For the full recipe, check out the details above. {{image_2}} You can change up the filling for your Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells. Try adding cooked ground meat, like beef or turkey, for a heartier meal. You could also use sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor. If you want a touch of spice, mix in some diced jalapeños. For a Mediterranean twist, add sun-dried tomatoes or feta cheese. These options let you customize your dish for any mood or taste. For a lighter take on this dish, swap out ricotta for cottage cheese. This change reduces calories but keeps the creamy texture. You can also use whole wheat pasta shells for added fiber. Instead of marinara sauce, try a homemade tomato sauce with fresh herbs. This option lowers sugar and adds more flavor. Using less cheese or a reduced-fat version can also help make this meal a bit healthier. You can easily make Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells vegan. Replace the ricotta with a blend of soaked cashews and nutritional yeast. This mix gives a creamy texture and cheesy flavor. Use vegan cheese for the mozzarella and Parmesan. For the egg, try a flaxseed meal or chia seed mixture to bind the filling. With these swaps, you can enjoy a delicious, plant-based version of this classic dish. For the full recipe, check the recipe section above. To store leftover stuffed shells, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. Make sure to layer them with parchment paper. This keeps them from sticking together. Keep the container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to three days. When you are ready to eat the leftovers, take them out of the fridge. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the stuffed shells in a baking dish. Pour some marinara sauce on top to keep them moist. Cover the dish with foil. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. For long-term storage, you can freeze the stuffed shells. After cooling, place them in a freezer-safe container. Use layers of parchment paper to separate them. Seal the container tightly. They will last for up to three months in the freezer. To cook, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating. Enjoy your cheesy spinach stuffed shells anytime! For the full recipe, check out the details above. Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells can last about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. This keeps the shells fresh and tasty. If they smell off or look dry, it's best to toss them. Yes, you can use different cheeses. Try using feta, gouda, or cheddar for a twist. Each cheese brings a new taste. Mixing cheeses can add depth and fun to your dish. Just keep the total amount the same for best results. Absolutely! You can prepare the shells and stuffing a day in advance. Just cover them tightly and store in the fridge. You can also bake them ahead of time. Reheat them in the oven for a warm meal. Many sides pair well with these stuffed shells. A fresh salad adds crunch and brightness. Garlic bread is great for soaking up sauce. Roasted vegetables offer a healthy, colorful plate. For a more filling meal, serve with a side of pasta or rice. For the full recipe, check out the details above! Cheesy spinach stuffed shells are simple and fun to make. We explored key ingredients, tools, and steps to create this dish. I shared tips to perfect your cooking and ideas for tasty variations. After mastering this recipe, you can store leftovers easily or serve them fresh. Remember, cooking should be enjoyable. Experiment with flavors and make it yours. Your kitchen can be a place of creativity and joy with these shells. Dive in and savor every bite!](https://mysavedrecipe.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/122d6c08-a9f4-4f56-8193-acd2d8f43b5e-250x250.webp)
Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells
Indulge in these delicious Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells, perfect for a cozy family dinner or special gatherings. This easy-to-follow recipe combines creamy ricotta, fresh spinach, and gooey mozzarella, all wrapped in jumbo pasta shells and baked to perfection. Ready in just 55 minutes, your taste buds will thank you! Click through now to discover how to make this comforting dish that will impress everyone at your table!