The Perfect Stuffed Jumbo Shells Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Crafting a mouthwatering stuffed jumbo shells recipe sparks culinary excitement in every home cook’s heart.

Pasta lovers understand the magic of perfectly filled pasta pockets bursting with flavor.

Creamy ricotta and herbs create a delightful combination that makes this dish irresistible.

Soft shells cradle a rich mixture of cheese and savory ingredients.

Each bite promises a comforting embrace of Italian-inspired goodness.

Cheese enthusiasts will adore the blend of textures and robust seasonings.

A simple yet impressive meal awaits you – prepare to impress everyone at the dinner table.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Thaw it completely, drain excess water by squeezing it in a clean kitchen towel, and then chop it finely before mixing with the other filling ingredients.

• Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! This recipe is already vegetarian. Just ensure your marinara sauce doesn’t contain meat and use vegetarian-friendly cheeses.

• How can I prevent the pasta shells from tearing while filling?

Cook the shells just until al dente and handle them gently. Let them cool slightly and use a spoon or small scoop to fill them carefully to avoid ripping.

Why Stuffed Jumbo Shells Are a Favorite

• Boost Nutrition: Pack a powerful punch of nutrients with spinach and cheese, creating a balanced meal that provides protein, calcium, and essential vitamins in every delightful bite.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by swapping spinach with other vegetables like kale or zucchini, making it versatile for different dietary preferences and taste buds.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Engage everyone at the dinner table with a visually appealing dish that's kid-friendly and satisfies picky eaters while delivering delicious flavors.
• Minimal Cooking Skills Required: Perfect for beginner cooks, this recipe follows simple steps with straightforward techniques that guarantee a successful and tasty outcome without complex culinary expertise.

Ingredients for Delicious Stuffed Jumbo Shells

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: Large pasta shells perfect for stuffing with creamy fillings.

• Ricotta Cheese: Soft Italian cheese that creates a smooth and creamy texture for the filling.
• Spinach: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutrition and vibrant color to the dish.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Mild, stretchy cheese that provides a classic melty topping.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, aged cheese that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Egg: Helps bind the filling ingredients together and adds richness.

• Garlic, Dried Oregano, Salt, Black Pepper: Classic herbs and spices that give depth and traditional Italian flavor to the stuffed shells.

• Marinara Sauce, Fresh Basil or Parsley: Classic tomato sauce that complements the cheesy filling and fresh herbs for bright finishing flavor.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the spinach and adding a subtle richness to the dish.
• Aluminum Foil: Helps cover the dish during initial baking to prevent excessive browning.

How to Prepare Stuffed Jumbo Shells

Step 1: Boil Jumbo Shells

Get a large pot of water bubbling with salt. Drop the jumbo pasta shells into the water and cook them until they’re perfectly tender.

Keep stirring so they don’t stick together. Once done, drain the shells and give them a quick cold water bath to stop the cooking.

Step 2: Sauté Fresh Spinach

Warm up some olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the fresh spinach and watch it wilt down into a vibrant green pile.

After a few minutes, take it off the heat and let it cool slightly. Chop the spinach into small, delicate pieces.

Step 3: Mix Creamy Filling

• Ricotta cheese
• Egg
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Minced garlic
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together until it’s well blended and looks irresistibly creamy.

Step 4: Prepare Baking Dish

Spread a generous layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of a baking dish.

This will create a delicious base for your shells.

Step 5: Stuff the Shells

Carefully fill each pasta shell with the spinach-ricotta mixture.

Nestle these stuffed shells into the baking dish, creating a beautiful arrangement.

Step 6: Add Final Touches

Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells.

Sprinkle a layer of mozzarella cheese on top for that perfect golden, melty finish.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and slide it into a preheated oven.

Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and slightly golden.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Let the dish rest for a few minutes to settle.

Sprinkle some fresh chopped basil or parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!

Tips for Perfect Stuffed Jumbo Shells

• Stir pasta shells gently while boiling and rinse with cold water immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent shells from clumping together.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like thyme to the ricotta mixture for an extra flavor kick that elevates the entire dish.
• Squeeze excess water from cooked spinach to ensure the filling remains creamy and doesn't become watery during baking.
• Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and make serving easier, creating a perfect golden-brown top.
• Prepare the stuffed shells a day in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for a convenient and stress-free meal preparation.

Creative Ideas for Stuffed Jumbo Shells

• Vegan Veggie Shells: Replace ricotta with tofu, use plant-based mozzarella, and swap egg with ground flaxseed. Add nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor and extra protein.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free jumbo pasta shells and ensure marinara sauce is certified gluten-free. Substitute regular cheese with lactose-free or dairy-free alternatives.
• Meat Lover's Version: Mix ground beef or Italian sausage into the cheese filling. Brown meat before combining with ricotta and spinach for added protein and rich flavor.
• Mediterranean Mediterranean Shells: Incorporate feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs like oregano and thyme. Add kalamata olives for an authentic Mediterranean taste profile.

Best Pairings for Stuffed Jumbo Shells

Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complement the creamy, cheesy stuffed shells with its light, refreshing acidity that cuts through the richness of the dish.

Create a crisp side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the heaviness of the pasta and provide a fresh, zesty contrast.

Prepare warm, toasted garlic bread to soak up the extra marinara sauce and add a delightful crunch that enhances the overall dining experience.

Chianti or Sangiovese offer a robust flavor that stands up to the hearty cheese and marinara sauce, creating a classic Italian meal pairing.

How to Store Jumbo Stuffed Shells

• Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odors from spreading.
• Wrap individual shells or the entire dish in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place shells in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of marinara sauce to keep moisture.
• Place shells on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.

Stuffed Jumbo Shells Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Jumbo Shells deliver a comforting Italian-inspired pasta experience with creamy cheese and herb-infused filling. Pasta lovers will delight in this easy-to-prepare, crowd-pleasing dish that brings warmth and flavor to any dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Main Ingredients:

• 20 jumbo pasta shells
• 15 ounces (425 grams) ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 5 ounces (142 grams) fresh spinach
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cups marinara sauce

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to a toasty 375F (190C), preparing for a delectable pasta adventure.
2. Submerge jumbo pasta shells in a generously salted boiling water bath, cooking until they reach perfect al dente tenderness. Gently stir to prevent them from clinging together.
3. Rescue the shells from the hot water, immediately cooling them under a refreshing cold water stream to halt the cooking process. Set aside to drain.
4. In a spacious skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat, creating a welcoming environment for fresh spinach.
5. Introduce spinach to the heated pan, allowing it to wilt and transform into a vibrant green landscape, approximately 2-3 minutes.
6. Carefully remove the skillet from heat, letting the spinach cool momentarily before finely chopping into delicate pieces.
7. Merge the chopped spinach with ricotta, egg, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a generous mixing bowl. Blend thoroughly until a harmonious mixture emerges.
8. Create a luscious foundation by spreading marinara sauce across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking vessel.
9. Lovingly stuff each cooked shell with the spinach-ricotta blend, ensuring a generous filling.
10. Artfully arrange the stuffed shells in a single, elegant layer within the sauced baking dish.
11. Cascade the remaining marinara sauce over the shells, embracing them completely.
12. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese, creating a tantalizing cheesy crown.
13. Shield the dish with aluminum foil and slide into the preheated oven, baking for 20 minutes.
14. Unveil the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden masterpiece.
15. Extract from the oven and allow a brief 5-minute rest to settle the flavors.
16. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley, adding a final touch of aromatic elegance before serving.

Notes

• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a richer, more authentic flavor that melts beautifully into the filling.
• Drain spinach thoroughly by squeezing out excess moisture to prevent watery filling and ensure a perfect texture.
• Experiment with alternative cheeses like fontina or goat cheese to create unique flavor variations for adventurous palates.
• Make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free jumbo pasta shells and checking marinara sauce ingredients for hidden gluten sources.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 540 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg