Oh, do I have a treat for you today! Let me tell you about my all-time favorite comfort food: **Garlic and Spinach Stuffed Pasta Shells**. This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it always brings back warm memories of family dinners when my mom would whip up this dish as a special treat after a long week. The combination of creamy ricotta, savory garlic, and fresh spinach tucked inside those cozy pasta shells is just pure magic!
What I adore most about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily adapt it based on what veggies you have on hand—even swapping in kale or chard if you’re feeling fancy! Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some greens for those who might not be fans. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into this deliciousness!
What’s in Garlic and Spinach Stuffed Pasta Shells?
Now that you’re as excited as I am, let’s break down the ingredients you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece:
Pasta Shells: We’ll use 12 large pasta shells that serve as the perfect pocket to hold that scrumptious filling.
Fresh Spinach: Two cups of chopped fresh spinach bring a delightful earthiness and a pop of color. I promise you won’t miss the meat here!
Garlic: Three cloves, minced to perfection—because let’s be honest, garlic makes everything better, right?
Ricotta Cheese: This is what gives the filling its creamy texture. You’ll need one cup. Grab a good-quality brand to enjoy that rich, velvety bite!
Mozzarella Cheese: We’re using one cup plus extra for topping because, who doesn’t love a cheesy crust?
Parmesan Cheese: A quarter cup of this cheese adds that essential nutty flavor.
Egg: You’ll need one beaten egg to bind everything together and give it structure as it bakes.
Salt and Black Pepper: Just half a teaspoon of salt and a dash of black pepper will season the filling beautifully.
Italian Seasoning: One teaspoon of this blend brings a herby aroma—feel free to adjust based on your preference!
Marinara Sauce: A cup of good marinara, to drizzle on top and add that saucy goodness. You can use store-bought or make your own if you’re feeling adventurous.
Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of chopped parsley for garnish at the end adds a refreshing touch!
Is Garlic and Spinach Stuffed Pasta Shells Good for You?
Absolutely! These stuffed shells not only satisfy your comfort food cravings, but they also pack a nutritional punch.
Spinach: Loaded with vitamins A, C, and K, along with folic acid and iron, spinach is a true powerhouse green.
Ricotta Cheese: Rich in protein and calcium, this creamy cheese helps build strong bones and muscles. Just be careful with how much you use if you’re watching your calorie intake!
Egg: Eggs are an excellent source of protein and healthy fats, giving your filling that extra nutrient boost.
On the flip side, if you’re managing your sodium intake, consider looking for low-sodium marinara sauce and keeping an eye on the amount of added salt.
Ingredients Needed
These scrumptious stuffed shells serve about 4 people, so gather the following ingredients:
– 12 large pasta shells
– 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (plus more for topping)
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Garlic and Spinach Stuffed Pasta Shells?
Ready to create a masterpiece in your kitchen? Let’s get started!
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, cook the pasta shells according to the package directions until they’re al dente. Drain them gently and set aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add a small splash of oil. Sauté the minced garlic for about a minute until fragrant (your kitchen will smell heavenly!), then toss in the chopped spinach. Cook for around 2-3 minutes until wilted. Remove the skillet from heat.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach and garlic with the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until everything is well blended—trust me, you may be tempted to taste-test!
4. Spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish—this keeps our shells cozy and prevents sticking.
5. Stuff each pasta shell with the creamy spinach and cheese mixture and place them seam-side up in the baking dish.
6. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, then liberally sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese on top. More cheese = more happiness, am I right?
7. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. After that, take off the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Finally, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes—if you can stand the wait! Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for that touch of elegance.
Serving Suggestions and Fun Variations!
These stuffed shells can be a delightful make-ahead meal; you can refrigerate them before baking—a perfect dish for busy evenings. If you want to experiment, feel free to swap the spinach for other leafy greens, like kale or even Swiss chard!
Pairing these delightful shells with a side salad or some garlic bread makes for an incredible meal that will have your family asking for seconds.
I truly hope you give these Garlic and Spinach Stuffed Pasta Shells a try! They are comforting, nourishing, and oh-so-delicious—perfect for family nights or a cozy gathering with friends. Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to share your experience with me afterward! Happy cooking!
