Cheesy Stuffed Shells
Indulge in the comforting delight of cheesy stuffed shells, a dish that combines large pasta shells filled with a rich, creamy cheese mixture and topped with marinara sauce. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy evenings, these shells are customizable, making them an ideal choice for everyone. With a golden, bubbling exterior and a delicious interior, each bite is a warm hug on your taste buds.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 large pasta shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach (chopped)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil salted water and cook pasta shells until al dente; drain.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, spinach, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until creamy.
- Fill each shell with the cheese mixture. Spread half of the marinara on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Arrange filled shells upright in the dish and pour remaining sauce over them.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle extra mozzarella on top, and bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes until bubbly.
- Allow to cool for five minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 stuffed shells (approx. 300g)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Experiment with different cheeses like Gouda or add vegetables like zucchini for variety. Store leftovers in an airtight container; reheat at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to maintain moisture.