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Three-Cheese Stuffed Shells

Close-up of three cheesy stuffed shells filled with spinach and ricotta, covered in marinara sauce.
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Jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy ricotta, spinach, and cheese mixture, baked in a rich tomato sauce. This recipe is freezer-friendly and perfect for a comforting Sunday dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box (12 oz) jumbo pasta shells
  • 1 container (15 oz) ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 10 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the jumbo shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, squeezed spinach, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth.
  4. Spread about 1/2 cup of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  5. Carefully stuff each cooked shell with the ricotta mixture. Arrange the stuffed shells in the prepared baking dish.
  6. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells.
  7. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top.
  8. Cover the baking dish with foil.
  9. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce is heated through.
  10. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, before serving.

Notes

  • For a smoother ricotta filling, ensure your spinach is very well-drained.
  • You can assemble this dish ahead of time and refrigerate it. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
  • This dish freezes well. Let it cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding extra time as needed.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchenslang.com/stuffed-shells-recipe/