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Spinach & Mushroom Stuffed Shells recipe

Spinach & Mushroom Stuffed Shells

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  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner

Description

Spinach & Mushroom Stuffed Shells is a comforting vegetarian baked pasta loaded with spinach, mushrooms, ricotta, mozzarella, and a creamy white sauce. This family-friendly recipe is ideal for make-ahead meals, cozy dinners, or even freezer prep.


Ingredients

Scale

ยฝโ€ฏcup butter (1 stick)

3โ€ฏcups cremini mushrooms, chopped

2โ€ฏteaspoons dried thyme

2โ€ฏteaspoons dried basil

2โ€ฏteaspoons oregano

3 cloves garlic, minced

Salt and pepper to taste

ยผโ€ฏcup flour

2โ€ฏcups whole milk

1โ€ฏยฝโ€ฏcups white wine or broth

3โ€ฏcups mozzarella cheese, divided

ยฝโ€ฏcup grated parmesan cheese

1โ€ฏlb jumbo pasta shells, cooked according to package

2โ€ฏcups ricotta cheese

18โ€ฏoz frozen spinach, thawed and well-drained


Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350โ€ฏยฐF and grease a 9โ€ฏร—โ€ฏ13-inch baking dish.

  • Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pot or skillet. Add the chopped cremini mushrooms and cook over medium heat for about 4โ€“5 minutes. Then add the dried thyme, salt and pepper. Cook an additional 3โ€“4 minutes, then remove the mushrooms from the skillet and set aside.

  • Using the same skillet, add the remaining butter along with the dried basil, oregano, and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the white wine (or broth) and the milk, stirring constantly. Bring this mixture to a boil and cook for about 2 minutes until it thickens. Remove from heat and stir in ยฝ cup of the mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth.

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, the remaining 2 cups of mozzarella, and the drained spinach. Stir until evenly mixed.

  • Spoon about 1 cup of the cream sauce into the bottom of the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.

  • Stuff each cooked jumbo shell with the ricotta-spinach mixture, and place the stuffed shells into the baking dish on top of the sauce layer. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese, then pour the rest of the cream sauce evenly over the shells. Finally, sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese on top, and distribute the cooked mushrooms over everything.

  • Bake in the preheated oven for 30โ€“35 minutes or until the sauce is bubbling and the top is lightly golden.

  • Remove from oven, let rest for a few minutes, then serve warm.


Notes

Be sure to drain the spinach well to prevent a watery filling. You can prep the entire dish in advance and refrigerate or freeze before baking. Substitute broth for wine if desired. Browning the mushrooms adds extra flavor depth.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of dish
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Protein: 20g