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
ยฝโฏcup butter (1 stick)
3โฏcups cremini mushrooms, chopped
2โฏteaspoons dried thyme
2โฏteaspoons dried basil
2โฏteaspoons oregano
3 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
ยผโฏcup flour
2โฏcups whole milk
1โฏยฝโฏcups white wine or broth
3โฏcups mozzarella cheese, divided
ยฝโฏcup grated parmesan cheese
1โฏlb jumbo pasta shells, cooked according to package
2โฏcups ricotta cheese
18โฏoz frozen spinach, thawed and well-drained
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350โฏยฐF and grease a 9โฏรโฏ13-inch baking dish.
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Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pot or skillet. Add the chopped cremini mushrooms and cook over medium heat for about 4โ5 minutes. Then add the dried thyme, salt and pepper. Cook an additional 3โ4 minutes, then remove the mushrooms from the skillet and set aside.
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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.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, the remaining 2 cups of mozzarella, and the drained spinach. Stir until evenly mixed.
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Spoon about 1 cup of the cream sauce into the bottom of the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
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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.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 30โ35 minutes or until the sauce is bubbling and the top is lightly golden.
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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