![To make cheesy spinach stuffed shells, you need a few simple ingredients. Each one adds flavor and texture. Here's the complete list of ingredients you will need: - 20 jumbo pasta shells - 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese - 1 egg, beaten - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 cups marinara sauce - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish Each ingredient plays a part. The jumbo pasta shells hold the filling. Fresh spinach adds a bright, earthy taste. Ricotta cheese gives a creamy base. Mozzarella and parmesan melt beautifully, creating a tasty top layer. The egg helps bind everything together. Garlic and onion powders add depth and warmth. Salt and pepper season the mixture just right. Marinara sauce gives moisture and flavor to the dish. Lastly, fresh basil adds a pop of color and freshness when you serve it. For the full recipe, you can follow the steps to create this delightful dish. With these ingredients, you are on your way to a delicious meal that will impress everyone. 1. Preheat your oven and cook pasta shells Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for perfect baking. Next, cook the jumbo pasta shells as per the package instructions. Make sure they are al dente. Once done, drain them and set them aside to cool slightly. 2. Mix spinach and cheese filling In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella. Add a quarter cup of grated parmesan cheese. Then, crack the egg into the bowl, and sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until it is well combined. This filling is the heart of your dish. 3. Stuffing and baking the shells Pour one cup of marinara sauce into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. This creates a tasty base for your shells. Take a cooked pasta shell, and stuff it with the spinach and cheese mixture. Place the stuffed shell, seam side up, in the dish. Repeat this until all the shells are filled. Once done, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells. Make sure each shell is well-covered. Finally, sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes. Look for bubbly, golden cheese. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. You can garnish with fresh basil leaves for an extra touch. Enjoy your Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells! For the complete guide, check the Full Recipe. Choosing the right pasta shells Pick jumbo pasta shells. These shells hold the filling well. They help create a great dish. Opt for brands that are sturdy. This way, they won’t break during cooking. Tips for a creamy filling Use fresh ingredients for the filling. Combine ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan for rich flavor. Adding an egg makes the filling creamy. Mix in garlic powder and onion powder for extra taste. Don't skip the salt and pepper. It lifts the flavors. How to avoid soggy shells Cook the pasta shells just until al dente. This keeps them firm. Drain them well and avoid rinsing. Rinsing can wash away flavor. When baking, make sure the sauce covers the shells. This helps them stay moist, not soggy. For more details, check the Full Recipe! {{image_2}} You can make Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells even more fun by adding proteins. Chicken or sausage pairs well with the spinach and cheese. Just cook the meat ahead of time, chop it, and mix it into the filling. This adds flavor and makes the dish heartier. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta shells. Many brands offer delicious choices that taste great. You can follow the same cooking steps in the recipe. The filling will still shine with flavors you love. For a vegan version, swap the ricotta and mozzarella cheese for plant-based options. You can use tofu blended with nutritional yeast for a creamy texture. Instead of the egg, try a flaxseed meal mixed with water. This keeps the filling together without dairy. These variations let you customize Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells. Each twist adds a new layer of taste, making it a dish you’ll want to share. Check the Full Recipe for the basic steps, then get creative! To keep your Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells fresh, start with refrigeration. Place any leftovers in an airtight container. They last about three to four days in the fridge. Make sure to cover them well to prevent drying out. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. You can freeze the stuffed shells before baking them. Just wrap each shell in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can stay good for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, let them thaw overnight in the fridge. For reheating, the oven works best. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the shells in an oven-safe dish and cover them with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes or until they are warm throughout. You can also use the microwave. Just place a single serving on a plate and cover it. Heat for one to two minutes, checking often to avoid overcooking. With these tips, you can enjoy your Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells again and again! Check out the Full Recipe for more deliciousness. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare cheesy spinach stuffed shells in advance. You can stuff the shells and layer them in the baking dish. Just cover the dish with foil and store it in the fridge. Bake it when you're ready. This makes dinner easy and quick. How long do leftovers last? Leftovers will stay fresh in the fridge for about three to five days. Make sure to keep them in an airtight container. You can also freeze leftovers for up to three months. This way, you can enjoy this tasty meal later. What other cheeses can I use? You can mix it up with different cheeses. Try using feta for a tangy kick. Goat cheese adds a nice flavor too. If you love sharp cheese, consider using cheddar or a blend. Each option brings its own taste to the dish. For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. You now know how to make cheesy spinach stuffed shells. We covered all the key ingredients, like pasta shells and cheeses. I walked you through simple preparation steps and shared tips to get it just right. We also explored fun variations to suit your taste and dietary needs. Finally, we discussed how to store and reheat leftovers. You can enjoy this dish in many ways! Remember, cooking can be fun and tasty. Give it a try!](https://lisadishes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/9908f677-f942-4825-a64b-d29f3f656ba8-250x250.webp)
Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells
Indulge in a deliciously cheesy treat with these Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells! This easy recipe combines jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy spinach and ricotta mix, topped with marinara and gooey cheese. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, these stuffed shells are sure to impress. Click through for the full recipe and make your next meal memorable with this mouthwatering dish!