Zesty Cheesy Spinach and Mushroom Stuffed Shells Recipe

Shells bursting with creamy spinach and mushroom stuffing promise a delightful dinner adventure that brings comfort right to your plate.

These stuffed shells blend rich, melted cheese with earthy mushrooms and tender spinach for a mouthwatering meal.

Every forkful delivers a perfect balance of flavors that dance across your palate.

The combination of ingredients creates a harmonious blend that feels both indulgent and wholesome.

cheesy goodness mingles with nutritious vegetables, making this dish a crowd-pleaser for picky eaters and food enthusiasts alike.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this irresistible recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Dive into this delectable dish and savor every single bite.

Helpful Tools for Shell Filling and Baking

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta and making cheese sauce.
• Baking Dish (9×13 inch): Perfect for assembling and baking stuffed shells.
• Whisk: Crucial for creating smooth cheese sauce without lumps.
• Cutting Board: Helpful for chopping herbs and preparing ingredients.
• Chef's Knife: Needed for slicing mushrooms and preparing herbs.
• Colander: Necessary for draining cooked pasta shells.
• Mixing Bowl: Great for combining ricotta, spinach, and cheese filling.
• Wooden Spoon: Useful for stirring sauce and sautéing ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Important for accurate ingredient amounts.

Baking Instructions for Spinach-Stuffed Shells

• Mushroom Preparation

Sizzle mushrooms in a skillet with fragrant herbs until they turn golden and release their rich, earthy aroma.

• Creamy Cheese Base

Create a velvety sauce by blending aromatic garlic with smooth, melting cheeses and a silky liquid foundation.

• Shell Transformation

Gently bathe pasta shells in boiling water until they reach perfect tenderness, then let them rest.

• Filling Magic

Blend smooth ricotta with vibrant spinach, creating a luscious mixture that promises delectable bites.

• Layering and Baking

Nestle filled shells into a bed of creamy sauce, crown with additional cheese, and let the oven work its transformative magic until the top turns beautifully golden and the edges bubble with anticipation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 60 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Calories: 510 kcal

Servings: 7

What You’ll Use in Cheesy Spinach and Mushroom Stuffed Shells

• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy base that binds the filling with a luxurious texture and mild flavor.
• Provolone Cheese: Adds a sharp, tangy dimension to the stuffing with its distinctive taste.
• Fresh Spinach: Brings vibrant green color, earthy nutrients, and a light, fresh element to the filling.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides that irresistible stretch and golden-brown melting quality.
• Parmesan Cheese: Delivers a nutty, salty punch that elevates the overall flavor profile.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and richness to the sauce, creating a more complex taste.
• Whole Milk: Ensures a smooth, creamy consistency in the sauce.

• Butter: Creates a rich, golden foundation for sautéing and building layers of flavor.
• Garlic: Brings a pungent, warming note that intensifies the dish's overall taste.
• Fresh Thyme: Adds an earthy, slightly minty herb essence to the mushrooms.
• Dried Basil and Oregano: Introduces classic Italian herb notes to the sauce.
• Mushrooms: Provides a meaty, umami texture and deep, woodsy flavor.
• Pasta Shells: Large, ridged pasta that perfectly holds the creamy filling.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth consistency.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance all other flavors.

Flavor Tips to Elevate These Cheesy Shells

• Veggie Power Boost: Swap spinach with kale or Swiss chard for different nutrient-packed greens that add vibrant color and unique flavor to the dish.
• Protein Punch: Add cooked ground chicken, crumbled Italian sausage, or crispy pancetta to the filling for a heartier meal that satisfies meat lovers.
• Dairy-Free Magic: Replace dairy cheeses with plant-based alternatives like cashew ricotta and vegan mozzarella for a delicious lactose-free version that doesn't compromise on creaminess.
• Herb Garden Twist: Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary, sage, or tarragon to create unexpected depth and aromatic complexity in the cheese sauce and mushroom mixture.
• Make-Ahead Miracle: Prepare the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready – perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests with minimal last-minute preparation.

How to Serve Stuffed Shells as a Main or Side

• Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Serve this cheesy dish as a comforting main course for a heartwarming family meal, perfect for gathering everyone around the table on a chilly evening.
• Wine and Salad Pairing: Complement the rich, creamy shells with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc and a fresh mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the indulgent flavors.
• Vegetarian Feast Centerpiece: Make this the star of a vegetarian dinner party, accompanied by roasted garlic bread and a colorful Mediterranean-style side salad to create a stunning spread.
• Leftover Magic Transformation: Reheat individual portions the next day, or slice cold shells into bite-sized pieces for a delicious lunch, packed with protein and perfect for meal prep.

Storing Cheesy Shells for Another Night

• Refrigerator Ready Strategy: Store completed stuffed shells in an airtight container for up to 4 days, keeping the dish's flavors intact and texture delicious.
• Freezer Friendly Approach: Wrap individual portions or entire casserole tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap and aluminum foil, which can be stored for 2-3 months without losing quality.
• Quick Reheat Method: Warm refrigerated shells in microwave for 2-3 minutes or oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, adding a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture and prevent drying.
• Advance Prep Tip: Assemble shells one day before baking, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even heating and optimal texture.

Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Stuffed Shells Recipe

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4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Homemade cheesy spinach and mushroom stuffed shells promise comfort and flavor in one delightful Italian-inspired dish. Pasta shells filled with savory ingredients will satisfy dinner cravings when shared with family and friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) large pasta shells
• 2 (10 oz/284 g) packages frozen spinach, thawed and drained
• 3 cups sliced shiitake or cremini mushrooms
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded provolone cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 8 tbsps (1 stick/113 g) salted butter
• 2 tsps dried thyme
• 2 tsps dried basil
• 2 tsps dried oregano
• 2 chopped garlic cloves
• ¼ cup plain flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups chicken broth
• Kosher salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prep Station: Warm the oven to 350°F and lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent adhesion.
2. Mushroom Preparation: In a skillet, sauté mushrooms with thyme, salt, and pepper until they develop a golden-brown hue and release their earthy essence. Set aside momentarily.
3. Aromatic Base: Using the same skillet, gently toast garlic, basil, and oregano in butter until their fragrant oils are released, creating a flavor foundation.
4. Sauce Development: Whisk flour into the butter mixture to form a smooth roux, then gradually incorporate chicken broth and milk, stirring consistently to ensure a silky consistency.
5. Cheese Integration: Melt mozzarella and parmesan into the sauce, creating a luxurious, velvety liquid that will harmonize the dish’s components.
6. Pasta and Filling Preparation: Boil pasta shells in salted water until al dente, then drain. Simultaneously, blend ricotta, provolone, and spinach to craft a vibrant, creamy filling.
7. Assembly: Spread a foundational layer of cheese sauce in the baking dish. Generously stuff each shell with the spinach-cheese mixture, arranging them meticulously.
8. Final Touches: Crown the shells with remaining mozzarella, drizzle the cheese sauce evenly, sprinkle parmesan, and strategically distribute the golden mushrooms across the surface.
9. Baking Process: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and continue baking until the top transforms into a golden, bubbling masterpiece with crisp, enticing edges.

Notes

• Prevent Pasta Sticking: Rinse cooked shells with cold water and lightly oil to stop them from clumping together.
• Cheese Melting Tip: Grate cheeses at room temperature for smoother, more even melting and better sauce consistency.
• Moisture Control: Pat spinach and mushrooms dry before adding to prevent excess liquid from making the filling watery.
• Flavor Enhancement: Toast herbs and garlic briefly to maximize their aromatic oils and deepen the overall dish’s taste profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 510
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 47 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg