Originally I thought I’d stuff my freezer full of meals for when Baby D arrived, but I’m slowly starting to see that I might not have as many prepared as I originally thought. But between family, friends and sending Hubbs out to get food, I don’t think we’ll go hungry 🙂
However, I did have some time this weekend to prep another freezer meal…
Spinach ‘n Cheese Stuffed Shells
by Eating Well
- 24 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil
- 2 onions, finely chopped (Maybe I had big onions, but I only need a little over 1 onion)
- 2 (10-ounce) packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 2 cups part-skim ricotta cheese
- 2/3 cup plain dry breadcrumbs (Mix it up and use Italian seasoned breadcrumbs for more flavor)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste
- 1 large egg white, lightly beaten
- 3 cups prepared marinara sauce
First up, cook your shells according the directions on the package.
Once they are cooked al dente, rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process and set them aside.
Pour the oil into a large skillet over medium-high heat and sauté the onions.
While the onions cook, defrost and squeeze the frozen spinach.
Then, add it to the onions and mix.
In a large bowl, mix together the ricotta, nutmeg, breadcrumbs and 1/4 c parmesan.
Then toss in the onion and spinach, salt and egg white. Mix well.
Put a layer of marinara on the bottom of your dish, then start stuffing!
I filled up these two dishes and had a bit leftover, so I made 6 shells for us to bake and sample. But first, top with marinara and the remaining parmesan cheese.
Bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes, or, cover with plastic wrap and freeze!
This dish was easy to put together. I loved the cheese and spinach, but I can think off a few alterations that could pump up the flavor:
- adding a little garlic or spice would help give the dish a little kick
- use a more flavorful marinara than just basic basil and tomato
- add in spicy sausage (chicken, turkey or whatever you prefer)
Overall, I’m glad I have this dish in the freezer because it’s going to be great to dig into homemade comfort food when Baby D is in my arms 🙂
What do you prefer… stuffed shells or lasagna?
For some reason stuffed shells always sound more fun to me!
Rachel @ Not Rachael Ray says
Yum! This looks so good, one of my favorite meals. Like I said on Twitter, you’ll be so glad you have these prepared in your freezer.
Lindsay @ The Lean Green Bean says
yum! these were one of my fav meals growing up…way better than lasagna 🙂
Becky @ Fit Chick on the Fly says
This looks delicious, definitely going on my dinner menu this week! Can’t believe you are still cooking and slaving in the kitchen and almost ready to pop!
Chloe (In Fine Feather) says
I made stuffed shells for the first time a few months ago and loved it! Although, I also love lasagna so I would be happy with either 🙂
Jen says
I love stuffed shells! I always have them on Christmas since my family’s main dish is steak which I don’t eat. And you are 100% right- I doubt you’ll go hungry!
Tiff @ Love, Sweat, and Beers says
Yum! Thanks for the recipe. I make turkey and artichoke stuffed shells, but I need a new recipe since the hubby isn’t crazy about it. I’m usually a lasagna girl, but I like to change it up.
Brittany says
Oh I love the sound of artichoke and turkey- yum!
blackhuff says
It looks delicious and you did a great job with this meal you are about to freeze as well with your collection.
Pity I won’t be able to make this dish. We don’t have Jumbo Pasta shells here in South Africa 🙁
Holly @ The Runny Egg says
I love stuffed shells — I actually made Eat Live Run’s stuffed shells (with tofu instead of ricotta) over the weekend and it was incredible! I will definitely make that again.
Brittany says
I’ve heard her vegan version is delish! If only I didn’t love cheese so much 🙂
Brooke @ Veggie Table says
My mom always made stuffed shells – so they get my vote over lasagna!
Heather says
That looks delicious. I love lasagna and stuffed shells, but if you are making them homemade these stuffed shells are so much easier then lasagna. I think I may have to make some of these this week.
ashley@piesandpushups says
I love how prepared you are! I enjoy all italian food, but I must say that stuffed shells are my personal favorite!
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
I’m more of a lasagna girl. 🙂 I’ve made stuffed shells a few times and it usually comes out too plain. I REALLY like Jenna’s from Eat, Live, Run’s cheese free shells – those were amazing!
Lauren says
Haven’t made stuffed shells in way too long! Sounds like a perfect freezer meal, plus there’s nothing more comforting than Italian food 🙂 Shells > lasagna!
Maria says
I will easily take either or! I love the hard parts of the pasta when its baked, so whichever one has more of the chewy pieces!
Kelly @ Not So Rocky Road says
I’ll take either one!! This recipe looks amazing! My husband will thank you for bringing this recipe to our kitchen!
Lisa says
Stuffed shells are easier to me than lasanga. I usually make 2 batches – one with beef/onions/spinach and the other with cheese/spinach. Both with a basic marinara. They are my go-to gift whenever we go to visit brand new parents!
Lindsay says
just a possible warning,,,i am currently breastfeeding my second and neither could tolerate it when i ate tomato sauce. it gave them really bad belly aches/gas. onion,broccoli, and popcorn too! but the shells do look great!
Brittany says
That’s one of my biggest fears since tomatoes, garlic and onions are pretty much staples in my everyday diet. I also heard dairy can cause problems… I’ll keep my fingers crossed for a baby with an iron tummy 😉
Donna@Life of a Happy Blonde says
I have never made stuffed shells before ever! So i’m going to go with Lasagna, until i try this recipe and then i will probably change my mind 🙂
Erin @ The Grass Skirt says
I could never choose between the two! I might have to go with stuffed shells though. My grandmother makes the best. I eat dairy for those. 😉
Brittany says
Grandmothers’ recipes are worth eating whatever they want to put in them- always the best!!
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen says
Oh my goodness.
I just realized I don’t think I’ve ever had a stuffed shell.
Mallory @ It's Only Life says
These look so good. I think I might like these even better than lasagna, because they are lighter and I can eat more of them! (My mom would probably disown me, as she is known for her famous Italian lasagna…!)
Danica says
yumm! thanks for sharing!
Heather @ girlyeverafter says
Stuffed shells for sure! I love those little guys. They’re like individual cups of yum!
Melissa @ Be Not Simply Good says
I make a very similar dish, yum! As far as taste, stuffed shells or lasagna come out even for me. The presentation is more fun with the stuffed shells. 🙂
Kristen @ The Concrete Runner says
Yum! That sounds delicious – I might be making that to freeze for when my baby comes!
Sarah for Real says
Yummy! I’m not having a baby but freezer meals are something I’ve been wanting to try anyway, just for busy days. Couple questions…
My husband isn’t wild about nutmeg, can I just omit it or would you add something else?
Would you thaw it before baking or just bake longer?
Katie @ Legally Fit says
This looks awesome! I’m definitely putting this into my freezer arsenal 😉 I love all italian food, but I think I’d pick lasagna over stuffed shells. Maybe.
Roz says
These look delicious. I’ve never made stuffed shells before. You are amazing getting all this prepped before Baby D arrives!!!
Tammy @ Palm Trees and Manatees says
Anything stuffed with cheese is a-ok in my book! These look great — I love stuffed shells, ravioli, lasagna — it’s all awesome!
Kristin @ eat healthy. be happy. live well. says
My honey loves stuffed shells! However, I haven’t found a GF brand that makes shells 🙁 Maybe one day! And yes, shells sound more fun and seem so much easier to prepare than lasagna!
Kelsey @ Snacking Squirrel says
ohhhh i can just imagine the smell of the filling and sauce <3 <3 These looks so scrumptious, I am so impressed with your cooking ability- it's magical 🙂
xoxo
Terri says
The stuffed shells are making me HUNGRY! Perfect dish for a meatless monday 🙂 If freezing, do you thaw the casserole before heating it up in the oven? THANKS for the help and wonderful recipe!
sarah@spinach and spice says
stuffed shells!
i’ve had this recipe booked for a while now, but I’m officially convinced to make it after this post 😀