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–+ servings
cheesy spinach filled pasta shells

Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot
  • 1 large mixing bowl
  • 1 Medium Skillet
  • 1 9x13 inch baking dish
  • 1 Wooden spoon
  • 1 measuring cup
  • 1 set of measuring spoons
  • 1 colander

Ingredients
  

  • 20 jumbo pasta shells
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 5 ounces fresh spinach chopped
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil chopped

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Boil the jumbo pasta shells in a large pot of salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  • Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat, add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
  • Add chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, then remove from heat.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, egg, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper.
  • Stir in the cooked spinach and garlic mixture into the cheese mixture until well combined.
  • Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • Stuff each pasta shell with the ricotta and spinach mixture and place in the baking dish.
  • Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells.
  • Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese over the top.
  • Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
  • Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving.
  • Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Notes

For best results, ensure the pasta shells are cooked just until al dente to prevent them from becoming too soft and tearing during the stuffing process. Also, feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste, and consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight kick.
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