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Stuffed pasta dishes have long held a cherished place in the culinary world, captivating taste buds with their delightful combination of flavors and textures. Among the myriad of options, stuffed shells stand out for their unique shape and versatility. These large, conch-like pasta shells are perfect for holding generous portions of rich fillings, making them an ideal choice for a comforting meal. The allure of stuffed shells lies not just in their deliciousness but also in their ability to adapt to a variety of ingredients, catering to both meat lovers and vegetarians alike.

Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells – A Healthy Veggie Dinner

Discover the simplicity of a healthy veggie dinner with these easy spinach and ricotta stuffed shells! This comforting dish features jumbo pasta shells filled with a delightful mixture of ricotta, fresh spinach, and Italian seasonings, all baked in marinara sauce and topped with gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a weeknight meal, it's nutritious and delicious. Serve it warm and garnish with fresh basil for a burst of flavor!
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Ingredients
  

20 jumbo pasta shells

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup fresh spinach, chopped

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 egg, beaten

2 cups marinara sauce

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

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

    Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

      Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, half of the grated Parmesan cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, beaten egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

        Stuff the Shells: Gently fill each cooked pasta shell with the spinach and ricotta mixture using a spoon or a piping bag.

          Add Marinara Sauce: Spread a cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells on top of the sauce.

            More Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

              Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

                Serve: Let the dish cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve warm.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4