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Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells are a delightful culinary creation that perfectly encapsulates the comforting essence of home-cooked Italian cuisine. This dish combines the rich, creamy flavors of various cheeses with the earthiness of fresh spinach, resulting in a satisfying meal that appeals to both the palate and the heart. Whether you're preparing a feast for family gatherings, hosting friends for a cozy dinner, or simply treating yourself to a hearty meal at home, these stuffed shells promise to deliver a burst of flavor and warmth in every bite.

Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells

Discover the comforting delight of Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells, a quintessential Italian dish that combines rich cheeses and fresh spinach for a satisfying meal. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners, these pasta shells are filled with a creamy, flavorful mixture and topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese for a golden crust. Easy to prepare, they offer a delicious balance of flavors and textures that everyone will love. Enjoy the process of making this heartwarming recipe and savor every bite!
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Ingredients
  

20 large jumbo pasta shells

1 package (10 oz) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (plus extra for topping)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 egg, beaten

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)

Salt and pepper to taste

3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).

    Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.

      Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the drained spinach, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, minced garlic, dried Italian herbs, and season with salt and pepper. Stir until well combined.

        Stuff the Shells: Take each cooked pasta shell and carefully spoon the spinach and cheese mixture into each shell, filling them generously.

          Arrange the Shells: In a baking dish, spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom. Place the stuffed shells seam side up in the baking dish.

            Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top of the stuffed shells, making sure they are well covered. Sprinkle extra mozzarella cheese on top.

              Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (to prevent sticking, you can spray the foil with cooking spray). Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

                Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve warm. Enjoy these cheesy delights!

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 mins | 60 mins | 4 servings