Description
Learn how to make delicious Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Shells with this easy recipe. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 1 (340g) box uncooked jumbo pasta shells (12 oz)
- 450g chopped cooked beef (2 cups)
- 150g fresh chopped spinach (2 cups)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 425g container ricotta cheese (15 oz)
- 2 (226g) packages cream cheese, softened (8 oz)
- 140g shredded cheese (about 1 2/3 cups)
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 15ml dried parsley flakes (1 Tbsp)
- 5ml Italian seasoning (1 tsp)
- 5ml salt (1/2 tsp)
- 5ml pepper (1/2 tsp)
- 225g shredded mozzarella cheese, divided (2 cups)
- 750g jar prepared spaghetti sauce (26 oz) (If you like it saucier use more)
Instructions
- Boil the jumbo pasta shells following the instructions on the package, ensuring they remain firm to prevent tearing during filling. After draining, place them separately on a cutting board or baking sheet to avoid sticking.
- Set your oven to 350°F and prepare two 9×13 baking dishes by greasing them lightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, blend the beef with the chopped spinach, onion, minced garlic, ricotta cheese, cream cheese, shredded cheese, egg, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese to the mixture. To fill the shells more easily, place the mixture in a gallon-sized plastic bag and cut a small corner off to pipe the filling into the shells.
- Pour half of the spaghetti sauce into the greased baking dishes and arrange the filled shells on top. Cover the shells with the remaining sauce. Seal tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil. If you plan to freeze one of the dishes, do so at this point and include a bag of the leftover mozzarella for later use.
- Bake the covered dish for 40 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle with the remaining cup of mozzarella cheese, and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes.
- Yields 8-10 portions.
Notes
- Ensure the ground beef is thoroughly drained to prevent excess moisture in the filling.
- Use a mix of shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan cheeses for a flavorful blend.
- Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese on top before baking for a crispy, cheesy crust.
