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To make delicious Three Cheese Stuffed Shells, you need the following items: - 12 large pasta shells - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup spinach, chopped - 1 egg, beaten - 2 cups marinara sauce - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish These ingredients create a rich, cheesy filling that hugs the pasta shells. The marinara sauce adds a nice touch of flavor and moisture. You can boost the taste of your stuffed shells with these optional items: - Crushed red pepper for heat - Sautéed mushrooms for earthiness - Chopped sun-dried tomatoes for sweetness - Fresh parsley for color and freshness These extras let you customize the dish. Each option brings unique flavors that enhance your meal experience. Each serving of Three Cheese Stuffed Shells has about: - Calories: 420 - Protein: 20g - Carbohydrates: 50g - Fat: 18g - Fiber: 3g This dish offers a balance of protein and carbs. It’s comforting, filling, and perfect for any meal. For the full recipe, refer to the section above. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is important for even cooking. Next, boil a large pot of salted water. Add 12 large pasta shells to the pot. Cook them until they are al dente, just like the package says. Drain the shells and let them cool. Now, let’s make the cheese filling. In a mixing bowl, combine these ingredients: - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup chopped spinach - 1 beaten egg - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano) - Salt and pepper to taste Mix all the ingredients well until they blend evenly. Take each cooled pasta shell in your hand. Fill it generously with the cheese mixture you just made. Place the stuffed shells in a lightly greased baking dish. Once all the shells are filled, pour half of the marinara sauce over them. Make sure each shell is well-coated. Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake your shells in the oven for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes. You want the cheese to be melted and bubbly. After baking, take the dish out of the oven. Let the shells sit for a few minutes. This helps them set. Before serving, garnish with fresh basil leaves. You can serve these shells with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Enjoy this comforting dish! For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions. To cook pasta shells well, follow these steps: - Use a large pot with plenty of water. - Add salt to the water. This helps flavor the pasta. - Boil the shells until they are al dente, about 8-10 minutes. - Gently stir to keep them from sticking together. - Drain the shells and cool them under cold water. This stops the cooking. For a tasty cheese filling, do this: - Mix ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese in a bowl. - Add chopped spinach for a pop of color and nutrients. - Use a beaten egg to help bind the mixture. - Season with garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. - Blend everything until smooth and creamy for the best flavor. When baking and serving your stuffed shells: - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). - Pour marinara sauce over the shells before baking. This adds moisture. - Cover the dish with foil to keep the heat in. - Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil for 10-15 more minutes. - Let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps the cheese set. - Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a touch of freshness. For the full recipe, check out Three Cheese Stuffed Shells. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Add more veggies to the cheese filling. Spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini work well. You can also swap the marinara sauce for a creamy white sauce. This change adds a new layer of flavor. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free pasta shells. Many brands offer great choices that taste just as good. Check the box for cooking time, as it may vary from regular pasta. Pair your shells with a gluten-free marinara or a tasty homemade sauce. Feel free to mix cheeses for different tastes. You can try goat cheese or feta for a tangy flavor. A blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella can add depth. Experiment with smoked cheeses for a unique twist. The Full Recipe allows you to get creative with flavors. After enjoying your delicious three cheese stuffed shells, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to let them cool first. This helps keep the flavors fresh. Place the container in the fridge. Leftovers will last for about 3 to 5 days. If you want to save some stuffed shells for later, freezing is a great option. You can freeze them before or after baking. If freezing unbaked shells, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to 3 months. When you are ready to bake, just cook them straight from the freezer. If you freeze baked shells, let them cool first. Then, wrap them and freeze. To bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as needed. To reheat your stuffed shells, you can use the oven or microwave. If using the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the shells in a baking dish. Add a bit of marinara sauce on top to keep them moist. Cover with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes. For the microwave, place a few shells on a plate. Heat for about 1-2 minutes, checking to see if they are hot. Always check to ensure they are heated all the way through. Enjoy your meal again! You can tell when the stuffed shells are done when the cheese is melted and bubbly. The sauce should be hot, and the edges of the shells should look slightly golden. I like to bake them for about 35-40 minutes. When you take them out, let them sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors blend. Yes, you can make the filling ahead of time. Mix your ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, spinach, egg, and spices in a bowl. Cover it tightly and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This is a great time-saver for busy days. When you’re ready, just stuff the shells and bake them. The best sauce for stuffed shells is marinara. It adds a rich flavor that balances the cheese. You can also try a creamy Alfredo sauce for a different twist. Both sauces work well and taste amazing with the cheesy filling. Feel free to use store-bought or homemade sauce based on your preference. To spice up your stuffed shells, add crushed red pepper flakes to the cheese filling. You can also mix in some diced jalapeños or even a spicy sausage. If you prefer the sauce to be spicy, try adding hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the marinara. Adjust to your taste for the perfect kick! We explored all you need for a great stuffed shell dish. You learned about essential and optional ingredients, plus nutrition facts. I detailed step-by-step cooking and serving tips. You now know how to store leftovers and variations for every diet. In the end, stuffed shells can be adjusted to fit your taste. Whether you prefer classic cheese or a spicy kick, you can make it your own. Enjoy making this dish for family and friends!

Three Cheese Stuffed Shells

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these Three Cheese Stuffed Shells! Packed with creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, along with fresh spinach, this delicious recipe is perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Easy to prepare and utterly satisfying, you’ll learn to create a cheesy masterpiece baked to perfection in marinara sauce. Click to explore the full recipe and impress your loved ones tonight!
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Ingredients
  

12 large pasta shells

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup spinach, chopped

1 egg, beaten

2 cups marinara sauce

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

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

    Cook the Pasta Shells: Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the pasta shells and cook them according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.

      Prepare the Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, chopped spinach, beaten egg, garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully combined.

        Stuff the Shells: Take each cooled pasta shell and fill it generously with the cheese filling mixture. Place the stuffed shells in a lightly greased baking dish.

          Add the Sauce: Pour half of the marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells, making sure they are well-coated.

            Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

              Serve: Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

                Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 60 minutes | Servings: 4