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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Prep Station: Warm the oven to 350°F and lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent adhesion.
- 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.
- Aromatic Base: Using the same skillet, gently toast garlic, basil, and oregano in butter until their fragrant oils are released, creating a flavor foundation.
- 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.
- Cheese Integration: Melt mozzarella and parmesan into the sauce, creating a luxurious, velvety liquid that will harmonize the dish’s components.
- 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.
- Assembly: Spread a foundational layer of cheese sauce in the baking dish. Generously stuff each shell with the spinach-cheese mixture, arranging them meticulously.
- Final Touches: Crown the shells with remaining mozzarella, drizzle the cheese sauce evenly, sprinkle parmesan, and strategically distribute the golden mushrooms across the surface.
- 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