This cheesy and meatless stuffed shells recipe is a crowd-pleaser. With a flavorful mixture of ricotta, spinach, and cheese, these stuffed shells are sure to satisfy everyone's taste buds. The dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Serve them with a side of garlic bread and a green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 box of jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups of ricotta cheese
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups of chopped spinach
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 3 cups of marinara sauce
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, chopped spinach, beaten egg, dried basil, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Using a spoon, carefully stuff each cooked pasta shell with the cheese and spinach mixture. Place the stuffed shells in the baking dish.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, covering them completely.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top. Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the stuffed shells cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Stuffed shells are a classic Italian dish that originated in Sicily.
Traditionally, stuffed shells are made with ground meat, but this vegetarian version is just as delicious.
This recipe can be easily customized by adding other vegetables or spices to the filling.
Leftover stuffed shells can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.