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Cheesy Spinach Delight Shells offer a heartwarming and delectable experience that brings together the rich flavors of various cheeses and the vibrant freshness of spinach. This dish stands out as a family-friendly meal, perfect for both casual weeknight dinners and festive gatherings. With its enticing combination of creamy filling and hearty pasta, Cheesy Spinach Delight Shells are sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. The best part? The preparation is straightforward, making it an accessible recipe for cooks of all skill levels. As the flavors meld together during baking, the result is a comforting dish that is not only delicious but also visually appealing.

Creamy Spinach Cheese Shells

Discover the deliciousness of Cheesy Spinach Delight Shells, a comforting dish that combines creamy cheeses and fresh spinach stuffed into jumbo pasta shells. Perfect for family dinners or festive gatherings, this recipe is simple to follow, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels. Enjoy the nourishing benefits of spinach paired with a rich cheese filling, all topped with marinara sauce for a satisfying meal everyone will love. Perfect for any occasion!
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Ingredients
  

12 jumbo pasta shells

2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup cream cheese, softened

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, plus extra for topping

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup marinara sauce

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

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

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

      Prepare the Spinach Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, around 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.

        Mix the Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, cooked spinach, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated.

          Fill the Shells: Once the pasta shells have cooled slightly, carefully stuff each shell with about 2 tablespoons of the cheese and spinach mixture.

            Prepare the Baking Dish: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer, then cover with the remaining marinara sauce. Sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese on top for extra cheesiness.

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

                Serve: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, and enjoy your creamy spinach cheese shells!

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