Cheesy Spinach-Stuffed Jumbo Pasta Delights
Indulge in an Italian-inspired classic with these Cheesy Spinach-Stuffed Jumbo Pasta Delights. Perfectly cooked jumbo pasta shells brimming with a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan cheeses are combined with healthy spinach for a delightful vegetarian dish. This versatile recipe offers an option to bake and enjoy now or conveniently freeze some for later. Perfect for a weekday dinner or an impressive dish for guests, it promises to deliver comfort and flavor in every bite.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Jumbo pasta shells or manicotti
16 jumbo or 8 manicotti (Packaged)
Chopped spinach
10 ounces (Frozen, thawed, and drained)
Eggs
2 (Beaten)
Ricotta cheese
1 cup
Mozzarella cheese
1 cup (Shredded)
Cheddar cheese
1 cup (Shredded)
Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (Freshly shredded or grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Cook the jumbo pasta shells or manicotti as per package instructions until they are al dente. Immediately drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process; drain thoroughly.
3
While the pasta is cooking, ensure to drain the thawed spinach thoroughly. Squeeze out any excess liquid to prevent a watery filling.
4
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the beaten eggs. Add in the ricotta, mozzarella, and cheddar cheeses, along with half of the parmesan cheese. Stir in the well-drained spinach and mix everything until fully combined.
5
Fill each cooked pasta shell with approximately 3 tablespoons of the cheese-spinach mixture or about 1/3 cup if using manicotti shells.
6
Arrange the filled pasta shells in 4 individual casserole dishes. For immediate consumption, sprinkle with remaining parmesan cheese and bake two casseroles in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until heated through.
7
To freeze the remaining casseroles, cover them securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, label, and freeze for up to 3 months.
8
To serve the frozen casseroles, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake, covered, for roughly 1 hour or until thoroughly heated. Enjoy your cheesy spinach-stuffed delights!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cheesy Spinach-Stuffed Jumbo Pasta Delights?
They are an Italian-inspired vegetarian dish consisting of jumbo pasta shells or manicotti filled with a creamy four-cheese and spinach blend.
What types of pasta can be used for this recipe?
You can use either 16 jumbo pasta shells or 8 manicotti shells.
Is this spinach-stuffed pasta recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly recipe.
What four cheeses are included in the filling?
The filling uses ricotta, mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan cheeses.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to make 4 servings.
At what temperature should I preheat the oven for fresh baking?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for immediate baking.
How should the pasta be cooked before stuffing?
Cook the pasta until it is al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water.
How do I prepare the frozen spinach?
Thaw the 10-ounce package of spinach and squeeze out all excess liquid to prevent the filling from becoming watery.
How many eggs are needed for the cheese mixture?
The recipe requires 2 beaten eggs.
How much filling goes into each jumbo shell?
Each jumbo pasta shell should be filled with approximately 3 tablespoons of the mixture.
How much filling is used for manicotti shells?
If using manicotti, use about 1/3 cup of filling per shell.
How long should I bake the fresh pasta shells?
Bake in a preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until heated through.
Can this recipe be frozen for later use?
Yes, the filled shells can be frozen in individual casserole dishes for up to 3 months.
How should I store the shells for freezing?
Cover the casserole dishes securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and label them before freezing.
What is the baking temperature for frozen pasta shells?
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) when baking from frozen.
How long does it take to bake the shells from a frozen state?
Bake the frozen, covered shells for roughly 1 hour or until thoroughly heated.
How much parmesan cheese is used in the filling?
Half of the 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese is mixed into the filling, while the other half is sprinkled on top.
Should I rinse the pasta with cold water?
Yes, rinsing with cold water stops the cooking process and prevents the shells from becoming too soft.
What are the primary flavor profiles of this dish?
The dish is known for being cheesy, savory, and Italian-inspired.
Can I use freshly shredded cheese?
Yes, the recipe suggests using shredded mozzarella, shredded cheddar, and freshly shredded or grated parmesan.
Is this a good meal prep recipe?
Yes, because it is freezer-friendly and can be portioned into individual casserole dishes.
How much ricotta cheese is required?
You will need 1 cup of ricotta cheese.
What is the purpose of the eggs in the recipe?
The beaten eggs act as a binder for the cheese and spinach filling.
Do I bake the shells covered or uncovered when fresh?
The recipe implies baking them uncovered when fresh to allow the parmesan topping to brown, but covered when frozen to ensure even heating.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include pasta, vegetarian, cheesy, spinach, Italian, baked, freezer-friendly, comfort food, and dinner.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
While the recipe specifies frozen, you can use fresh spinach if it is cooked down and thoroughly drained first.
How many individual casserole dishes are recommended?
The recipe suggests arranging the shells in 4 individual casserole dishes.
What should I do if the filling is too watery?
Ensure the spinach is squeezed very dry and the pasta is thoroughly drained before stuffing.
Is this dish suitable for a weekday dinner?
Yes, it is marketed as a perfect weekday dinner or an impressive dish for guests.
What type of cheddar cheese is best?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese; you can use mild or sharp depending on your preference.