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Comfort food has a unique way of bringing people together, evoking fond memories of shared meals and the warmth of a home-cooked dish. Among the myriad of comforting recipes, the Cheesy Spinach & Ricotta Delight stands out as a harmonious blend of flavors that not only caters to the palates of vegetarians but also enchants cheese lovers. This dish showcases the delightful combination of creamy ricotta cheese, fresh spinach, and a medley of delicious cheeses, all encased in tender jumbo pasta shells.

Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Discover the Cheesy Spinach & Ricotta Delight, a comforting dish that brings together the rich flavors of creamy ricotta, fresh spinach, and a medley of melty cheeses nestled in tender jumbo pasta shells. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this easy recipe transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering experience. With straightforward steps, it’s ideal for cooks at any skill level. Enjoy the aromas and flavors that make this dish a true crowd-pleaser!
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Ingredients
  

20 jumbo pasta shells

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (or ½ cup frozen, thawed, and drained)

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 egg

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

3 cups marinara sauce

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

    Cook the Pasta Shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

      Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, ½ cup of the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

        Stuff the Shells: Using a spoon or piping bag, carefully fill each pasta shell with the spinach and ricotta mixture.

          Prepare the Baking Dish: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce at the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer on top of the sauce.

            Add More Sauce: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are well covered. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

              Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil (to prevent sticking, you can spray the foil with cooking spray). Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and lightly golden.

                Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Enjoy your deliciously cheesy spinach and ricotta stuffed shells!

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 50 minutes | 4 servings