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Delicious Vegetarian Stuffed Shells with Marinara Recipe

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These vegetarian stuffed shells are a comforting dish filled with creamy ricotta and fresh spinach, all smothered in rich marinara sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner, they are sure to impress even the most dedicated carnivores.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 20 jumbo pasta shells
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (or 1/2 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
  • 1/2 cup marinara sauce (plus more for topping)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your stuffed shells will bake evenly once assembled.
  2. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Be careful not to overcook them; you want them firm enough to hold the filling without breaking.
  3. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the filling. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup of marinara sauce, chopped spinach, 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
  4. Once the pasta is cooked, drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. This also makes them easier to handle.
  5. Fill each shell generously with the ricotta mixture using a spoon or a piping bag. Don’t skimp on the filling; it should be heaping!
  6. Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish (about 1/2 cup) to prevent sticking. Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer, open side up. Pour more marinara sauce over the top, ensuring all shells are covered.
  7. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the shells for that cheesy, bubbly topping.
  8. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
  9. Once cooked, remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the filling set a bit.
  10. Garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve warm, enjoying the melty cheese and rich marinara!

Nutrition

Keywords: Don’t overfill the shells! While it’s tempting to pack in as much filling as possible, leaving a little room helps prevent the shells from bursting during baking. Use a high-quality marinara sauce or make your own for the best flavor.

Find it online: https://mamablueberry.com/delicious-vegetarian-stuffed-shells-with-marinara-recipe/