Cheesy Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Shells

If you’re looking for a comforting and indulgent dish that’s perfect for family dinners or dinner parties, look no further than Cheesy Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Shells.

These large pasta shells are stuffed with a rich and creamy mixture of spinach, artichokes, and a medley of cheeses, all baked to golden perfection. With the right balance of savory and creamy flavors, this dish is bound to become a favorite in your home.

Whether you serve it with a side salad or enjoy it on its own, the combination of cheesy goodness and the delicate taste of spinach and artichokes is an absolute winner.

Not only does this dish taste amazing, but it’s also quite simple to make. A little prep time is all it takes to assemble the stuffed shells, and then you can let the oven work its magic.

Let’s dive into why this dish is so irresistible and how you can make your own batch at home. 😍

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Cheesy Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Shells:

How to Make

Making Cheesy Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Shells is easy! Just follow these simple steps:

1. Prepare the pasta shells: Start by cooking the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions. Be sure to cook them al dente, as they will continue to cook when baked in the oven. Once cooked, drain them and set them aside to cool slightly.
2. Sauté spinach: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped spinach and cook for about 2-3 minutes, just until wilted. Once cooked, remove the spinach from the heat and set it aside.
3. Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, and egg. Add the sautéed spinach and chopped artichokes. Mix in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until smooth and well combined.
4. Stuff the shells: Carefully stuff each cooked pasta shell with the cheesy spinach and artichoke mixture. Be generous with the filling, but make sure to leave enough room for the sauce and cheese topping.
5. Assemble the dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Arrange the stuffed shells in the dish, then pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top. Sprinkle any leftover mozzarella cheese on top for that cheesy, golden finish.
6. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the shells are heated through.
7. Garnish and serve: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for an added pop of color and freshness.

Variations

Cheesy Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Shells is an incredibly versatile recipe, so feel free to experiment with the following variations:

How to Serve

These Cheesy Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Shells are incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways. Here are some ideas:

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the stuffed shells, cover them, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra few minutes to the baking time if they’re chilled.

2. Can I freeze the stuffed shells?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled and unbaked shells in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To bake, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.

3. Can I use canned spinach?
While fresh spinach is ideal, you can use canned spinach in a pinch. Just make sure to drain it thoroughly and squeeze out any excess water.

Conclusion

Cheesy Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Shells is the ultimate comfort food that combines cheesy indulgence with the earthy flavors of spinach and artichokes. It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone at the table smile with each bite.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting a dinner party, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to impress.

It’s easy to make, customizable, and guaranteed to become a staple in your recipe collection. So go ahead, try it out, and enjoy the cheesy goodness! 😋

Cheesy Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Shells

These large pasta shells are stuffed with a rich and creamy mixture of spinach, artichokes, and a medley of cheeses, all baked to golden perfection. With the right balance of savory and creamy flavors, this dish is bound to become a favorite in your home.

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Ingredients

  

• 12 jumbo pasta shells 🍝
• 1 tbsp olive oil 🌿
• 2 cups fresh spinach chopped 🌱
• 1 can 14 oz artichoke hearts (drained and chopped) 🍽️
• 1 cup ricotta cheese 🧀
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese 🧀
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
• 1/4 cup cream cheese softened 🍥
• 1 egg 🥚
• 1 tsp garlic powder 🧄
• 1 tsp onion powder 🧅
• 1/2 tsp salt 🧂
• 1/4 tsp black pepper 🧑‍🍳
• 2 cups marinara sauce 🍅
• Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish 🌿

Instructions

 

• Cook pasta shells: Boil the jumbo shells according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
• Sauté spinach: Heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté spinach until wilted (2-3 minutes), then remove from heat.
• Make the filling: In a bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, cream cheese, egg, sautéed spinach, chopped artichokes, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
• Stuff the shells: Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the filling.
• Assemble the dish: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread marinara sauce in a baking dish, arrange stuffed shells, and pour remaining sauce on top. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the shells.
• Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil, bake for 10 more minutes.
• Garnish and serve: Let cool briefly, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy!

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