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Creamy Four Cheese Stuffed Shells

Creamy Four Cheese Stuffed Shells

Olivia Harris
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 29 minutes
Course Main Course, pasta
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6
Calories 496 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 18 –20 jumbo pasta shells boil a few extra in case some break
  • 1 –2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 cups fresh spinach
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
  • 2 tablespoons cream cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 24 oz marinara sauce
  • Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
  • Seasonings:
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon dried parsley
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Pasta:
  • Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the jumbo shells about 1 minute less than al dente. Drain and rinse gently with cool water. Set aside.
  • Sauté the Spinach:
  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add spinach and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring, until wilted. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
  • Prepare the Cheese Filling:
  • In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese with salt, pepper, basil, parsley, and oregano. Stir in half of the mozzarella cheese, most of the Parmesan (reserve some for topping), cream cheese, and egg until smooth. Fold in the cooled spinach mixture.
  • Assemble the Dish:
  • Spread half of the marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spoon the cheese filling into each shell and arrange them in the dish.
  • Top and Bake:
  • Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the shells. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and reserved Parmesan cheese. Cover and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
  • Serve:
  • Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.