Shrimp Spinach Stuffed Shells are a delicious and hearty dish featuring large pasta shells filled with a savory mixture of shrimp, spinach, and creamy cheese, all baked in marinara sauce. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion!

Ingredients

• 12 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (or 1/2 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil (for garnish, optional)

Timing

Making the Shrimp Spinach Stuffed Shells takes about 20 minutes for preparation and 30 minutes for cooking.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. Sauté Shrimp and Spinach: In a skillet over medium heat, add a little olive oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Add the shrimp and cook for about 3-4 minutes until pink and opaque. Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
2. Mix Filling: In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, the cooked shrimp and spinach mixture, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Preheat Oven

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 4: Assemble the Stuffed Shells

1. Spread Sauce: In a baking dish, spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom.
2. Stuff Shells: Fill each cooked pasta shell with the shrimp and spinach filling and place them in the baking dish seam-side up.
3. Top with Sauce: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with additional mozzarella cheese.

Step 5: Bake

1. Bake Shells: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve

1. Garnish and Enjoy: Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of the Shrimp Spinach Stuffed Shells (per serving, based on 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	450
Protein	30g
Fat	20g
Carbohydrates	40g
Fiber	3g
Sugar	5g

Tips for Customization

• Add More Vegetables: Include diced bell peppers or mushrooms in the filling for added flavor and nutrition.
• Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the filling or sauce for a spicy kick.
• Use Different Proteins: Substitute shrimp with cooked chicken or crab for a different flavor profile.

Conclusion

Shrimp Spinach Stuffed Shells are a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the richness of cheese with succulent shrimp and fresh spinach. Perfect for a family gathering or a special dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy this delightful recipe!