Classic Stuffed Shells (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
01 -
Boil around 18-20 jumbo pasta shells, cooking more as back-ups in case they split.
02 -
1-2 tablespoons of olive oil.
03 -
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped.
04 -
4 cups fresh spinach leaves.
05 -
One 15-ounce container of ricotta cheese.
06 -
Shredded Parmesan, about half a cup.
07 -
Three cups shredded mozzarella—divide it up for mixing and topping.
08 -
2 tablespoons of cream cheese.
09 -
1 egg.
10 -
24 ounces of marinara sauce.
11 -
A handful of fresh parsley, chopped as garnish.
12 -
Half a teaspoon of salt.
13 -
Quarter teaspoon of pepper.
14 -
Dried basil: half a teaspoon.
15 -
Dried parsley: half a teaspoon.
16 -
Half a teaspoon of dried oregano.
# Instructions:
01 -
Set your oven to 375°F to warm up. Cook the pasta shells in salted water until just about done—check your package for timing but stop a minute early (about 13 minutes). Drain and run under cold water to cool. Put them aside for now.
02 -
Drizzle olive oil in a big skillet and heat over medium. Toss in the chopped garlic, cooking it for a minute. Add the spinach, stir it around to coat, and let it cook down for 3 minutes or until softened. Let cool before using.
03 -
Take a large bowl and combine the ricotta, salt, pepper, basil, parsley, and oregano. Stir in half the mozzarella, most of the Parmesan (save a little for later), cream cheese, and the egg. Fold the cooled spinach and garlic mix into the cheeses until everything’s together.
04 -
Spoon half the marinara sauce into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Fill each shell with the cheesy mixture and place them on top of the sauce.
05 -
Cover the shells with the rest of the marinara, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and leftover Parmesan on top. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. After that, uncover and bake another 10 minutes. Toss some fresh parsley on top before serving. Garlic bread makes a great side!
# Notes:
01 -
Tender pasta shells get stuffed full of creamy ricotta, spinach, and cheesy goodness, then coated in marinara and baked for a delicious Italian-inspired meal.
02 -
This dish is a hit with family or for potlucks, plus you can prep it early to save time later.
03 -
Pair this with a crisp salad and toasty garlic bread to round everything out.