Spinach: Spinach Stuffed Pasta Shells by DBR

posted by DBR 04-17-100 8:17 AM

From THE ADVOCATE, Baton Rouge, LA
Spinach Stuffed Pasta Shells

2 (10-oz.) pkgs. frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
15 ozs. ricotta cheese
1 cup (4 ozs.) grated Parmesan cheese, divided
2 tbls. fennel seeds
2 tbls. chopped fresh basil (or 2 tsps. dried, crumbled basil)
3 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and black pepper, to taste
3 1/2 cups marinara or spaghetti sauce of choice
32 jumbo pasta shells, freshly cooked
Additional grated Parmesan cheese


Squeeze spinach dry. Transfer to large bowl. Add ricotta, 1/2 cup Parmesan, fennel, basil, and garlic. Season mixture with salt and pepper and blend well.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spoon 1/2 cup marinara sauce evenly over bottom of 9x13x2-inch baking dish.

Fill each pasta shell with spinach mixture. Place shells, filling side up, in dish. Spoon remaining sauce over shells and sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan.

Cover loosely with foil and bake until heated through, about 30 minutes.

Serve, passing additional Parmesan separately.

Serves 6 to 8.

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