Description
White Cheddar & Spinach Stuffed Shells combine creamy, sharp white cheddar cheese with fresh sautéed spinach inside tender jumbo pasta shells, baked in a rich marinara sauce to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz jumbo pasta shells
- 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Drain carefully and rinse with cool water to prevent sticking. Set aside to cool for easy handling during stuffing.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped garlic and onion and sauté until fragrant and slightly golden. Add fresh spinach in batches, stirring until wilted and tender. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine the sautéed spinach mixture with ricotta cheese, shredded white cheddar, grated parmesan, and the beaten egg. Season with salt and pepper and stir thoroughly until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
- Carefully spoon the cheese and spinach filling into each pasta shell, filling generously without overstuffing. Arrange the filled shells neatly in a baking dish layered with marinara sauce to keep them moist and flavorful during baking.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes to let the tops brown beautifully and the sauce thicken slightly. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- This dish is make-ahead friendly; assemble and refrigerate before baking.
- Feel free to add cooked chicken for extra protein.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: White Cheddar Spinach Stuffed Shells, Pasta, Vegetarian Recipe