Description
Delectable Italian stuffed shells deliver a comforting medley of ricotta, spinach, and marinara that dance across your palate with Mediterranean charm. Hearty pasta pockets promise a delightful dinner you’ll savor down to the last cheesy, herb-kissed bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Shells:
- 20 jumbo pasta shells (about 500 grams)
Cheese and Protein:
- 15 ounces (425 grams) ricotta cheese
- 2 cups (226 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¾ cup (75 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
Seasonings and Herbs:
- 2 cups fresh spinach, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups (710 milliliters) marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions
- Fill a spacious pot with water, season generously with salt, and bring to a rolling boil.
- Carefully lower the jumbo pasta shells into the bubbling water, cooking until they reach a tender yet firm consistency.
- Quickly drain the shells in a colander and immediately rinse with cold water to halt the cooking process and prevent further softening.
- Spread the cooked shells on a clean kitchen towel to cool and prevent sticking, creating a perfect canvas for stuffing.
- Gently pat the shells dry, ensuring they’re ready to receive the flavorful filling while maintaining their delicate structure.
Notes
- Select large, intact shells to prevent tearing during stuffing and ensure a beautiful presentation.
- Rinse shells with cold water immediately after cooking to halt the cooking process and prevent them from becoming mushy or sticking together.
- Consider using a mix of ricotta and cottage cheese for a lighter, creamier filling that adds extra protein and reduces overall fat content.
- Prepare shells ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking to enhance meal prep convenience and save time on busy days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 468
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg