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Stuffed Shells with Ricotta, Stuffed Shells with Spinach, 4 Cheese and Spinach Stuffed Shells

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Jan Charles
Jan Charles
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Recipes in this Video

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Stuffed shells, a beloved dish in Italian-American cuisine, originated as a way to use leftover pasta and cheese. Traditionally filled with a mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, and spinach, these shells are baked in marinara sauce, creating a comforting and hearty meal. Today, variations abound, with different fillings and sauces, making it a favorite for family dinners and gatherings.

Ingredients

  • jumbo pasta shells
  • ricotta cheese
  • mozzarella cheese
  • parmesan cheese
  • egg
  • spinach
  • marinara sauce
  • garlic
  • onion
  • basil
  • oregano
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • olive oil
  • parmesan cheese for topping

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. 2Cook the jumbo pasta shells in salted boiling water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes, then drain and cool.
  3. 3In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, egg, spinach, garlic, onion, basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper until well mixed.
  4. 4Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
  5. 5Fill each cooked shell with the cheese mixture and place them in the baking dish, open side up.
  6. 6Pour remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are well covered.
  7. 7Sprinkle additional mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top of the shells.
  8. 8Drizzle with olive oil for added flavor.
  9. 9Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  10. 10Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  11. 11Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Ingredient Alternatives

ricotta cheese

Healthier: cottage cheese

Cheaper: cream cheese

Cottage cheese reduces calories while maintaining creaminess.

mozzarella cheese

Healthier: part-skim mozzarella

Cheaper: provolone cheese

Provolone is often less expensive and melts well.

parmesan cheese

Healthier: nutritional yeast

Cheaper: grana padano

Grana padano offers a similar flavor at a lower cost.

jumbo pasta shells

Healthier: whole wheat shells

Cheaper: regular pasta shells

Regular shells are often cheaper and more widely available.

Techniques

mixingbaking

Equipment

large potcolandermixing bowlbaking dishaluminum foil
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowmilkeggswheat

Also Known As

Ricotta Stuffed ShellsItalian Stuffed Shells

Ingredients

  • 12 large pasta shells
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. 2Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. 3In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, chopped spinach, egg, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well until combined.
  4. 4Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  5. 5Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the cheese and spinach mixture and place them in the baking dish, open side up.
  6. 6Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are well covered.
  7. 7Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.
  8. 8Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  9. 9Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  10. 10Garnish with fresh basil if desired before serving.

Equipment

large pot9x13 inch baking dishmixing bowlaluminum foil

Ingredients

  • 12 large pasta shells
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1/2 cup gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. 2Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. 3In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, gorgonzola cheese, chopped spinach, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
  4. 4Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
  5. 5Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the cheese and spinach mixture and place them in the baking dish, open side up.
  6. 6Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are well covered.
  7. 7Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  8. 8Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  9. 9Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
  10. 10Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Equipment

large potmixing bowlbaking dishaluminum foilspatula

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