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- 12 jumbo pasta shells - 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped - 1 cup mushrooms, diced (any variety, such as cremini or button) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup cottage cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 2 cups marinara sauce

Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Stuffed Shells

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Stuffed Shells recipe. Loaded with rich flavors from cheese, savory mushrooms, and nutritious spinach, these jumbo pasta shells are perfect for family meals or gatherings. Easy to prepare and visually appealing, you can customize the filling to suit your taste. With a crispy cheesy topping and a tangy marinara sauce, this dish will be a hit at your dinner table!

Ingredients
  

20 jumbo pasta shells

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped

2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup cottage cheese

3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 egg, beaten

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 cups marinara sauce

Instructions
 

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

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

      Sauté Vegetables: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped mushrooms and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until they become golden brown. Stir in garlic and spinach, cooking until the spinach wilts—about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

        Prepare Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, dried oregano, and the sautéed mushroom and spinach mixture. Mix until well combined. Taste the filling and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as necessary.

          Stuff Pasta: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over the bottom of a baking dish. Using a spoon, carefully stuff each cooked pasta shell with about 2 tablespoons of the cheese and vegetable filling. Place the stuffed shells in the baking dish, open side up, in a single layer.

            Add Sauce and Cheese: Once all shells are stuffed, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells, ensuring they are well covered. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.

              Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

                Serve: Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 minutes | 50 minutes | Serves 4-6