This hearty dish is a delightful addition to your collection of cozy dinner recipes, perfect for a comforting meal. You’ll love how easy it is to assemble these flavorful shells, creating a satisfying and memorable dinner.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Jumbo Pasta Shells: You can use manicotti or even lasagna noodles broken into pieces if shells aren’t available.
- Ricotta Cheese: Cottage cheese is a good substitute if you prefer.
- Fresh Spinach: Frozen chopped spinach works well, just be sure to squeeze out all excess water.
- Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought brand or homemade version.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses can be used instead.
Ingredients
For the Shells:
- 12 ounces jumbo pasta shells (about 25-30 shells)
For the Filling:
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 10 ounces fresh spinach, finely chopped (or 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of nutmeg
For Assembly:
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional: Fresh basil for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories per serving: Approximately 450 calories
- Tools Needed: Large pot, large mixing bowl, 9×13 inch baking dish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta Shells
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain them well and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Ricotta Filling
In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and nutmeg. Mix everything until it’s well combined.
3. Assemble the Shells
Pour about 1 cup of marinara sauce into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Using a spoon or a piping bag, carefully fill each cooked pasta shell with the ricotta mixture. Arrange the filled shells in a single layer in the baking dish.
4. Top with Sauce and Cheese
Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are mostly covered. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top of the shells.
5. Bake Until Golden
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired, and serve these delicious cozy dinner recipes warm.
Variation Ideas
- Add finely diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the filling for extra vegetables.
- Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a subtle heat.
- Sprinkle a combination of Parmesan and Romano cheese on top for a sharper flavor.
Storage Instructions
You can store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm individual servings in the microwave or place the entire dish, covered, in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the shells and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a little extra baking time if baking from cold.
What if I don’t have fresh spinach?
Frozen chopped spinach works perfectly! Just thaw it and squeeze out as much water as you possibly can.
How do I prevent the shells from tearing?
Cook them just until al dente; overcooked shells become too soft and prone to tearing. Rinsing them in cold water after draining also helps.
Can I freeze stuffed shells?
Yes, you can freeze unbaked or baked shells. For unbaked, assemble, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding extra time.
What kind of marinara sauce should I use?
Use your favorite brand of marinara or spaghetti sauce. A good quality sauce will enhance the flavor of this cozy dinner recipe.
Is there a way to make this spicier?
You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ricotta filling or directly to the marinara sauce for extra heat.