Irresistibly Cheesy Spinach and Mushroom Stuffed Shells Recipe

Stuffed shells bring comfort and creativity to your dinner table with a delightful vegetarian twist.

Imagine tender pasta pockets cradling a rich, creamy filling that bursts with earthy mushroom and vibrant spinach flavors.

Cheese lovers will appreciate the gooey, melted goodness that binds these ingredients together.

Each shell promises a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that dance across your palate.

The combination offers a satisfying meal that feels both indulgent and nutritious.

These stuffed shells convert simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish you can easily prepare at home.

Explore this culinary adventure and let your taste buds celebrate a truly memorable dining experience.

Steps to Bake Creamy Pasta Shells

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven and Sauté Mushrooms

• Sliced mushrooms
• Fresh thyme
• Salt
• Black pepper

Cook until mushrooms turn a gorgeous golden brown. Set them aside on a plate.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Cheese Sauce

• Minced garlic
• Chopped fresh basil
• Dried oregano

Sprinkle in flour and slowly pour in chicken broth and milk. Stir until smooth. Fold in mozzarella and parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes silky and rich.

Step 3: Boil the Pasta Shells

Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt. Drop in pasta shells and cook until they’re perfectly tender. Drain and let them cool slightly.

Step 4: Create the Luscious Filling

• Ricotta cheese
• Chopped provolone
• Fresh spinach leaves

Mix until everything is well blended.

Step 5: Assemble and Layer

• Remaining cheese sauce
• Sprinkle of mozzarella
• Grated parmesan
• Sautéed mushrooms

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and slide into the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking until the top turns golden and bubbly, about 10-15 more minutes.

Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy your incredible cheesy creation!

Pasta Tips for Texture and Richness

• Sauté Mushrooms Perfectly: Brown mushrooms thoroughly in butter to develop rich, deep flavors before adding to the dish, ensuring maximum taste and caramelization.
• Create Smooth Cheese Sauce: Whisk flour and liquid ingredients gradually to prevent lumps, creating a silky, uniform sauce that coats the shells evenly.
• Cook Pasta to Al Dente: Boil shells just until tender with a slight bite, preventing them from becoming mushy when baked in the cheese sauce.
• Layer Flavors Strategically: Spread a base layer of cheese sauce, then carefully stuff shells to ensure even distribution of filling and prevent dry spots.
• Bake for Golden Perfection: Cover initially to prevent burning, then uncover to allow cheese to brown and develop a delicious crispy top layer.

How to Save and Warm the Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled stuffed shells to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat in Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, cover dish with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave Option: Place individual servings on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until steaming hot.

Delicious Sides That Go Well with Pasta

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich, cheesy flavors and earthy mushrooms.
• Crisp Salad Companion: Serve with a light arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the dish's heaviness and provide a fresh contrast.
• Crusty Bread Sidekick: Add garlic bread or a rustic Italian bread to soak up the delicious cheese sauce and complete the meal's indulgent experience.
• Bright Herb Garnish: Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top to add a vibrant, fresh note that lifts the rich, creamy flavors of the stuffed shells.

Variants to Spice It Up

• Rustic Mediterranean Shells: Replace spinach with sun-dried tomatoes and add crumbled feta cheese for a tangy Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwestern Stuffed Shells: Incorporate diced green chiles, swap provolone for pepper jack cheese, and top with fresh cilantro for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Protein-Packed Version: Mix in cooked ground chicken or turkey with the ricotta filling, adding extra protein and creating a heartier meal option.
• Vegetarian Veggie Boost: Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth, add roasted zucchini and bell peppers to the filling for more vegetable variety and nutrition.

Questions Answered on Stuffed Shells

• Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before mixing with the cheese filling to prevent a watery result.

• How do I store leftover stuffed shells?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for best texture and to maintain the crispy cheese top.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and the recipe remains deliciously vegetarian-friendly. The cheese and vegetables provide plenty of flavor.

• What if I can't find provolone cheese?

No problem! You can substitute with additional mozzarella or a mild white cheese like fontina. The recipe is flexible with cheese varieties.

Stuffed Shells with Cheesy Goodness

• Each bite delivers rich, creamy cheese melding perfectly with earthy mushrooms and tender spinach, creating a flavor explosion that satisfies comfort food cravings.
• This recipe works brilliantly as a cozy family dinner, impressive weekend meal, or make-ahead option that feeds multiple people with minimal kitchen effort.
• Crispy golden cheese edges contrast beautifully with soft pasta shells and silky cheese filling, providing a delightful mouthfeel that keeps every forkful interesting.
• Despite looking fancy, this recipe requires basic cooking skills, making sophisticated Italian-inspired cuisine accessible for home cooks of all experience levels.

Ingredients for Spinach & Mushroom Shells

Main Ingredients:

Pasta and Pasta Shells: – Jumbo Pasta Shells: Large shells perfect for stuffing, hold filling well, and create a delightful texture.

Cheese Ingredients: – Ricotta Cheese, Provolone Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Rich, creamy cheeses that provide depth, melty texture, and classic Italian flavor. Opt for fresh, high-quality cheeses for best results.

Vegetables: – Spinach, Mushrooms, Garlic: Fresh vegetables that add nutrition, earthy flavors, and aromatic elements to the dish.

Herbs and Seasonings: – Thyme, Basil, Oregano: Classic Italian herbs that enhance overall flavor profile. Choose fresh herbs when possible for more intense taste.

Liquid Ingredients: – Chicken Broth, Milk: Smooth base for cheese sauce, creating creamy consistency. Use whole milk for richer texture.

Cooking Basics: – Butter, Flour, Salt, Pepper: Essential cooking foundations that help create sauce and balance flavors. Use unsalted butter for better control of dish’s saltiness.

Cheesy Spinach And Mushroom Stuffed Shells Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting cheesy spinach and mushroom stuffed shells invite diners on a delightful Italian-inspired culinary journey. Pasta shells packed with creamy ricotta, earthy mushrooms, and tender spinach promise a satisfying meal you’ll savor to the last bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound large pasta shells
• 2 (10-ounce) packages frozen spinach, thawed and drained
• 3 cups sliced shiitake or cremini mushrooms

Cheese Ingredients:

• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded provolone cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese

Seasoning and Sauce Ingredients:

• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) salted butter
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 2 teaspoons 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. Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Sauté sliced mushrooms in butter with thyme, salt, and pepper until they develop a rich golden-brown color and release their earthy aroma. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, gently toast minced garlic, fresh basil, and oregano in butter until fragrant, releasing their aromatic oils.
4. Gradually whisk flour into the butter mixture, creating a smooth roux that will thicken the sauce. Slowly incorporate chicken broth and milk, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
5. Melt mozzarella and parmesan cheeses into the sauce, creating a creamy, velvety texture that will bind the dish together.
6. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook pasta shells until they reach a tender al dente consistency. Carefully drain and let cool slightly.
7. Combine ricotta, provolone, and chopped spinach in a mixing bowl, creating a rich and verdant filling for the shells.
8. Spread a generous layer of the cheese sauce across the bottom of the prepared baking dish to prevent sticking and add extra flavor.
9. Stuff each pasta shell generously with the spinach and cheese mixture, arranging them neatly in the baking dish.
10. Top the stuffed shells with remaining mozzarella, pour the remaining cheese sauce evenly, and sprinkle parmesan cheese over the surface.
11. Distribute the golden-brown mushrooms across the top of the dish for an additional layer of flavor and texture.
12. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking until the top turns golden and the edges become delightfully bubbling and crisp.

Notes

• Prep Like a Pro: Get all ingredients measured and ready before starting to cook for a smooth, stress-free kitchen experience.
• Mushroom Magic: Sautéing mushrooms in butter develops a rich, deep flavor that elevates the entire dish’s taste profile.
• Cheese Sauce Secrets: Slowly whisking broth and milk prevents lumps, creating a silky smooth sauce that coats every shell perfectly.
• Pasta Perfection: Cook shells just until al dente to ensure they hold their shape and don’t become mushy when baked.
• Make-Ahead Marvel: Assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.
• Serving Suggestion: Let the dish rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and make serving easier.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg