Cheese-Stuffed Shells

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Servings: 1 Difficulty: Intermediate
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Rich pasta shells filled with a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and spinach, baked in savory tomato sauce.
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These Cheese-Stuffed Shells are the ultimate comfort food, offering a perfect balance of tender pasta, hearty tomato sauce, and a luxuriously creamy cheese filling. The mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, and fresh spinach creates a vibrant, satisfying center that holds up beautifully against the robust marinara. This dish is incredibly versatile, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners or as a make-ahead meal for family gatherings. The aroma of baking cheese and herbs fills the kitchen, promising a warm, home-style experience. It’s a classic Italian-American favorite that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor, ensuring your table is set with a dish everyone will love.

Cheese-Stuffed Shells recipe image
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Cheese-Stuffed Shells

Author: chefs-mate Cuisine: Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 1 Calories: 404.6

Description

These Cheese-Stuffed Shells are the ultimate comfort food, offering a perfect balance of tender pasta, hearty tomato sauce, and a luxuriously creamy cheese filling. The mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, and fresh spinach creates a vibrant, satisfying center that holds up beautifully against the robust marinara. This dish is incredibly versatile, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners or as a make-ahead meal for family gatherings. The aroma of baking cheese and herbs fills the kitchen, promising a warm, home-style experience. It&# 226;ÂÂs a classic Italian-American favorite that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor, ensuring your table is set with a dish everyone will love.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375ðF (190ðC) and spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. Cook the jumbo shell noodles according to package directions until al dente; drain and set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, ricotta (if using), beaten egg, half of the shredded mozzarella, half of the shredded cheddar, parmesan, and seasonings like salt, pepper, and cinnamon if desired.
  4. Thaw and squeeze excess liquid from the frozen spinach, then fold it into the cheese mixture along with the chopped onion.
  5. If using sausage, brown it in a skillet, drain excess grease, and mix it into the cheese filling or layer it separately in the dish.
  6. Spread approximately 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  7. Fill each cooked shell with the cheese mixture and arrange them in a single layer over the sauce in the baking dish.
  8. Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are well coated.
  9. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
  10. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  11. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the shells to set slightly.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 1

Amount Per Serving
Calories 404.6kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 22.6g35%
Saturated Fat 7.2g36%
Cholesterol 53.3mg18%
Sodium 994.1mg42%
Total Carbohydrate 14.6g5%
Dietary Fiber 5.9g24%
Sugars 2.7g
Protein 35.9g72%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: stuffed shells, pasta bake, italian dinner, ricotta filling, spinach cheese, comfort food, family meal, baked pasta, tomato sauce, mozzarella, vegetarian option, easy dinner
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