Cheesy Spinach and Mushroom Stuffed Shells

Discover the ultimate comfort food with our Cheesy Spinach and Mushroom Stuffed Shells. This delicious vegetarian dish features jumbo pasta shells filled with creamy ricotta, tender spinach, and savory mushrooms, all surrounded by rich marinara sauce and melted cheese. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners, this recipe is simple to follow and sure to impress. Dive into our step-by-step guide for a delightful cooking experience that everyone will love.

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Ingredients

20 large jumbo pasta shells

1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped

1 cup cremini mushrooms, finely diced

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

½ cup parmesan cheese, grated

1 large egg, beaten

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

2 cups marinara sauce

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure that it’s hot and ready for baking.

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Carefully add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the shells and set them aside to cool.

Sauté the Vegetables: In a skillet over medium heat, pour in a splash of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, introduce the chopped cremini mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and become tender, roughly 5-7 minutes. Stir in the chopped spinach, cooking until just wilted. Season the sautéed mixture with salt, pepper, and onion powder for flavor. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Prepare the Cheese Filling: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan cheese, the beaten egg, sautéed spinach and mushroom mixture, and Italian seasoning. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended. Taste the filling and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as desired.

Stuff the Shells: Spread 1 cup of the marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a large baking dish. Using a teaspoon, carefully fill each cooked pasta shell with the cheese filling. Place each stuffed shell seam-side up in the baking dish. Repeat this process until all pasta shells are filled.

Top with Sauce and Cheese: Once all shells are neatly placed in the dish, pour the remaining marinara sauce generously over the top, ensuring each shell is well coated. Finish by sprinkling the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the marinara sauce.

Bake: To prevent sticking, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (you may lightly spray the foil with cooking spray). Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After that time, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and beautifully golden.

Serve: After baking, take the dish out of the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes to cool slightly. For a lovely finishing touch, garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Enjoy the delightful flavors of your homemade Cheesy Spinach and Mushroom Stuffed Shells!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 minutes | 50 minutes | 4-6 servings

- Presentation Tips: Serve the stuffed shells hot from the oven in shallow bowls, drizzled with extra marinara sauce and topped with freshly grated parmesan or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an added kick!