Pasta shells with melted cheese and spinach in a casserole dish.

Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Shells

Ingredients 

  • 24 Jumbo Pasta Shells
  • teaspoons Olive Oil
  • 2 Onions Finely chopped
  • 2 pounds Spinach Fresh; trimmed and washed
  • 2 cups Ricotta Cheese Part skim
  • cup Bread Crumbs Plain, dry
  • ½ cup Parmesan Cheese Freshly grated
  • ¼ teaspoon Nutmeg
  • teaspoon Salt
  • Ground Black Pepper To taste
  • 1 Egg White Lightly beaten
  • 3 cups Marinara Sauce

Equipment

  • Stovetop
  • Oven
  • Skillet
  • Medium Bowl
  • 9×13-inch Pan
  • Large Saucepan
  • Colander

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375°F.
  • Cook pasta shells in boiling water until tender, careful not to overcook.
  • Drain shells and rinse in cold water.
  • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, add onions and cook, stirring occasionally until softened. 
  • If using fresh spinach, add it in batches and toss until wilted.
  • Drain excess water out of the pan and let cool.
  • Combine ricotta, bread crumbs and ¼ cup Parmesan and nutmeg in a bowl and mix well. Add egg white, salt, and pepper.
  • Add drained and cooked vegetables.
  • Spread 1 cup of marinara on the bottom of 9×13-inch pan.
  • Stuff each of the shells with 2 Tablespoons of ricotta/spinach mixture.
  • Arrange shells in one layer across the pan.
  • Top them with remaining 2 cups of sauce and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
  • Bake until top is golden brown, about 30 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes.

Notes

  • Substitute fresh spinach for two 10-ounce packages of frozen, chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Shells
Amount per Serving
Calories
 
519
Calories from Fat 171
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
19
g
29
%
Saturated Fat
 
10
g
63
%
Cholesterol
 
57
mg
19
%
Sodium
 
1334
mg
58
%
Potassium
 
1800
mg
51
%
Carbohydrates
 
61
g
20
%
Fiber
 
9
g
38
%
Sugar
 
11
g
12
%
Protein
 
30
g
60
%
Vitamin A
 
18167
IU
363
%
Vitamin C
 
65
mg
79
%
Calcium
 
566
mg
57
%
Iron
 
8
mg
44
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Keyword Bread Crumbs, Cheese, Marinara Sauce, Olive Oil, Onion, Onions, Parmesan, Parmesan Cheese, Pasta, Pasta Shells, Ricotta, Spinach