Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Shells
This vegetarian delight combines the beloved flavors of spinach and artichoke dip into a hearty pasta dish. Jumbo pasta shells are stuffed with a rich filling of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, fresh spinach, and tender artichoke hearts, then baked in a vibrant marinara sauce until bubbly and golden. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that's perfect for a meatless dinner, offering a taste of Italian-American tradition with a fresh twist.
Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook jumbo pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water to prevent sticking, and set aside. In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed and squeezed dry spinach, chopped artichoke hearts, ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until thoroughly combined.
- 2Spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Carefully stuff each cooked pasta shell with a generous amount of the spinach and artichoke filling. Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer over the marinara sauce in the baking dish.
- 3Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells, ensuring most of them are covered. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the shells.
- 4Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the sauce is simmering.
- 5Remove from oven and let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you'll need about 10-12 ounces of fresh spinach. Sauté it until wilted, then squeeze out as much moisture as possible before adding to the filling.
Can this recipe be frozen?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole (unbaked) and freeze it, tightly wrapped, for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, or bake from frozen, adding extra baking time.
What if I don't have jumbo shells?
You could use manicotti shells or even layer the ingredients in a lasagna-style bake, though the presentation would be different.
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RECIPE BY
Leckere Rezepte
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