Irresistible Spinach & Artichoke Stuffed Shells: A Hearty, Meatless Family Favorite
Indulge in these jumbo pasta shells generously stuffed with a delectable blend of fresh spinach, marinated artichokes, and a rich mixture of Italian cheeses. Baked to golden perfection under a blanket of savory marinara sauce, this comforting and satisfying meatless meal is guaranteed to delight the entire family!
There’s nothing quite like a classic Italian pasta dish to bring warmth and comfort to the dinner table. And when that dish is packed with vibrant vegetables and creamy, savory cheeses, it becomes an instant crowd-pleaser. Today, we’re diving into a recipe that perfectly embodies this spirit: Spinach & Artichoke Stuffed Shells. This vegetarian marvel is not just easy to make, but it’s also incredibly flavorful, offering a delightful twist on traditional stuffed pasta.
This particular recipe comes to us through a wonderful culinary collaboration known as the Freaky Friday blog hop. It’s an exciting event that brings together food bloggers from across the internet, fostering community and encouraging us to explore each other’s delicious creations. For this winter edition, the anticipation among bloggers has been palpable, with much chatter about the amazing recipes being shared. I couldn’t wait to reveal what I made, and I’m thrilled to share this gem with you!
Discovering LeMoine Family Kitchen
I was absolutely delighted with my assignment for this round of Freaky Friday. My assigned blog was LeMoine Family Kitchen, run by the wonderfully kind and talented Angela. “Meeting” fellow bloggers online has been one of the greatest joys of being part of this close-knit food blogging community, and Angela truly stands out. Her warmth and genuine passion for food are infectious, and it feels as though I’ve known her for ages. It’s a testament to the power of shared interests and digital connections that such strong bonds can form.
For those unfamiliar, Freaky Friday is a unique group initiative that I helped establish a couple of years ago with some of my dearest blogger friends. The premise is simple yet exciting: each participant is secretly assigned another blogger’s website. Our mission is to browse their extensive collection of recipes, choose one that inspires us, and then cook or bake it in our own kitchens. The big reveal happens simultaneously on a designated day – and that day is TODAY! It’s a fantastic way to discover new blogs, challenge ourselves with different cuisines, and celebrate the incredible talent within our community.
Choosing the Perfect Italian Dish
When I learned my assignment was Angela’s blog, I had an immediate feeling I’d be making something Italian. Angela’s Italian heritage is a central theme in her cooking; her grandparents immigrated directly from Italy, bringing with them a rich culinary tradition. She grew up surrounded by large family gatherings, where delicious, homemade Italian food was always at the heart of every celebration. Married to her high school sweetheart, Angela is a devoted stay-at-home mom to two boys, and like me, she places immense value on family and the joy of sharing meals together. This shared appreciation for family-centric cooking made exploring her blog even more special.
Naturally, my first stop on her blog was the “Pasta Recipes” tab. With such deep Italian roots, how could I resist? Angela’s pasta section is a treasure trove of authentic and comforting dishes. After much deliberation, I narrowed my choices down to four fantastic options: her Homemade Pappardelle Bolognese, a tempting Linguine in a Creamy Artichoke Sauce, her elegant Lemon Asparagus Risotto, and finally, the dish I ultimately chose: her incredible Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Shells. The idea of combining fresh spinach with marinated artichokes and a blend of cheeses inside jumbo shells sounded absolutely divine and promised a satisfying vegetarian main course.
While Angela’s Italian recipes are certainly a highlight, it’s important to note that her blog is far from limited to one cuisine. Her recipe box is overflowing with an astonishing array of deliciousness from various culinary traditions. And here’s a little secret for all the pastry lovers out there: if you’re a fan of scones, Angela is definitely the blogger to follow! She has some truly exceptional scone recipes that are well worth exploring.
Crafting the Perfect Stuffed Shells: A Step-by-Step Guide
I’ve always wanted to try my hand at making a dish with jumbo pasta shells, and this recipe provided the perfect opportunity. These large, impressive shells are ideal for holding a generous and flavorful filling. For this recipe, the shells are lovingly packed with a delightful combination of fresh, vibrant spinach, tangy marinated artichoke hearts, creamy ricotta cheese, and a flavorful four-cheese Italian blend. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that comes together beautifully.
The preparation begins with quickly wilting fresh spinach on the stovetop. This process is remarkably fast, taking only a couple of minutes until the spinach is tender and reduced in volume. The key here is to thoroughly squeeze out any excess liquid from the wilted spinach. This crucial step prevents the filling from becoming watery, ensuring a rich and creamy texture. A clean kitchen towel or paper towels can be very effective for this task.
Next, the magic happens when you combine the prepared spinach with the other delicious filling ingredients. In a large bowl, mix the wilted spinach, creamy ricotta cheese, the Italian shredded cheese blend (Angela uses a “4 Cheese Italian blend,” which is perfect), the roughly chopped marinated artichoke hearts, a couple of eggs (which act as a binder), and a simple seasoning of salt and freshly ground black pepper. This creates a wonderfully cohesive and flavorful mixture that is both savory and slightly tangy from the artichokes.
If you’re a fan of the beloved spinach artichoke dip, then you are absolutely going to adore these stuffed shells. The filling captures all those familiar, comforting flavors you love, elevated into a substantial and satisfying main course. The combination of earthy spinach, briny artichokes, and a medley of melted cheeses creates a truly irresistible experience.
Once the filling is ready, it’s time for the fun part: stuffing the pre-cooked jumbo shells. Make sure to cook the shells just shy of al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven. This ensures they remain firm enough to hold their shape and filling without becoming mushy. Generously fill each shell with the spinach and artichoke mixture, then carefully arrange them in a single layer at the bottom of a baking pan that has been coated with a layer of marinara sauce. The sauce on the bottom not only adds flavor but also prevents the shells from sticking.
After all the shells are nestled in the baking dish, pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the top. This ensures every shell is bathed in rich, tomatoey goodness, keeping them moist and flavorful during baking. Then, it’s into the oven for about 30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and slightly golden. The aroma that fills your kitchen while these bake is absolutely divine, building anticipation for a truly magnificent meal.
To finish, a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan cheese over the top just before serving adds a final flourish of savory flavor and a beautiful presentation. These Spinach & Artichoke Stuffed Shells are not just a meal; they’re an experience—a delightful journey of flavors and textures that will make your taste buds sing.
Tips for Success and Variations:
- Al Dente Pasta: Cooking the jumbo shells just shy of al dente is crucial. They will continue to cook in the oven and you want them to retain a slight bite rather than becoming mushy.
- Squeeze the Spinach: Don’t skip squeezing out excess water from the wilted spinach. This prevents a watery filling and ensures a rich, creamy texture.
- Marinara Choice: Use a good quality marinara sauce. Whether homemade or store-bought, a flavorful sauce makes all the difference.
- Cheese Blend: Feel free to experiment with your favorite Italian cheese blends. A mix of mozzarella, provolone, Parmesan, and Asiago works beautifully.
- Add-ins: For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a subtle kick, or some finely diced sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of concentrated flavor.
- Make Ahead: These stuffed shells are fantastic for meal prep! Assemble them in the baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You might need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the fridge.
- Freezing: For a freezer-friendly option, assemble the shells in a foil pan, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, or bake from frozen (adding significant extra baking time, usually 1 hour or more, covered with foil, until heated through).
- Serving Suggestions: Pair these delicious shells with a fresh green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette and some crusty garlic bread to soak up all that amazing marinara sauce.
This meatless meal is not only satisfying and nutritious, but it also provides a wonderful alternative for those seeking vegetarian options without sacrificing flavor or heartiness. It’s truly a dish the whole family will enjoy, making it a perfect choice for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.
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Print Recipe
Spinach & Artichoke Stuffed Shells
Ingredients
- 1 1 lb package jumbo pasta shells
- 1 jar Marinara Sauce
- 1 cup rough chopped marinated artichoke hearts
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 10 (6 oz0 bag fresh baby spinach
- 2 eggs
- 2½ cups ricotta cheese
- 1½ cups Six Blend Italian shredded cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 375 degrees.
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Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions, stopping just shy of the al dente stage. Drain and set aside.
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In a skillet, over medium heat, add the olive oil and spinach. Cook spinach, stirring constantly, until wilted. Squeeze out any excess liquid. Set aside.
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In a bowl, combine the cooked spinach, eggs, ricotta cheese, artichoke hearts, shredded cheese, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
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Prepare a large baking pan by coating the bottom with some of the marinara sauce.
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Stuff each pasta shell with filling and place into the baking sheet. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells.
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Bake 30 minutes.Sprinkle with fresh Parmesan cheese before serving
Notes
Nutrition
For more exciting culinary adventures, make sure to SEE ALL OF MY PAST FREAKY FRIDAY RECIPES HERE. You’ll find a wide variety of dishes from talented bloggers, perfect for any occasion.
Love Pasta As Much As We Do? Here are a couple of other “keeper” pasta recipes that are sure to become family favorites!
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