Here’s a delicious recipe for Vegetarian Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Shells:
Ingredients:
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta Shells:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to package directions until al dente.
- Drain the shells and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and egg.
- Stir in the chopped spinach, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Stuff the Shells:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Carefully stuff each cooked pasta shell with the spinach and cheese mixture and place them in the baking dish.
- Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells.
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese over the shells.
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy your Vegetarian Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Shells!
Feel free to adjust the amount of cheese and spinach to suit your taste. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad and some garlic bread. Enjoy!
