Spinach and Three-Cheese Stuffed Shells

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Information

Spinach and Three-Cheese Stuffed Shells

Description:

Spinach and Three-Cheese Stuffed Shells is a hearty and comforting dish featuring jumbo pasta shells filled with a delicious mixture of spinach and a blend of three cheeses. The dish is baked to perfection with marinara sauce and melted cheese on top.

Health and Nutrition:

This dish offers a good balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. The inclusion of spinach provides essential vitamins and minerals, while the three-cheese blend contributes calcium and protein. However, due to the cheese and pasta, it’s advisable to enjoy this dish in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Meal Recommendation:

Spinach and Three-Cheese Stuffed Shells make for a satisfying main course. It’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends due to its comforting and flavorful nature.

Cultural Background:

Stuffed pasta dishes like this are popular in many countries, with variations found in Italian, Greek, and Mediterranean cuisines.

Homemade Tips and Equipment:

To make this dish at home, you’ll need jumbo pasta shells, a mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, spinach, marinara sauce, and seasonings. A baking dish and basic kitchen equipment are sufficient for preparation.

Food and Beverage Pairing:

This dish pairs well with a side salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette to add freshness and contrast to the richness of the stuffed shells. It can also be enjoyed with a glass of red wine or sparkling water with a slice of lemon.

Cost of Ingredients:

The cost may vary based on the quality of ingredients and your location. Generally, pasta, cheese, spinach, and marinara sauce are moderately priced.

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Cooking time, Recipe and Tips, Storage and Shelf Life

Cooking Time:

The cooking time for Spinach and Three-Cheese Stuffed Shells typically ranges from 25 to 30 minutes in the oven, after the shells are stuffed and assembled.

Recipe and Tips:

Ingredients:

Jumbo pasta shells
Spinach (cooked and drained)
Ricotta cheese
Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
Parmesan cheese (grated)
Marinara sauce
Salt, pepper, and herbs (such as basil and oregano) for seasoning

Instructions:

Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a bowl, combine the cooked spinach, ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs.
Preheat the oven to the recommended temperature (usually around 375°F or 190°C).
Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the spinach and cheese mixture and arrange them in a baking dish.
Pour marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, covering them evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Once done, let the dish cool slightly before serving.

Tips:

You can add sautéed garlic and onions to the spinach and cheese mixture for extra flavor.
Feel free to experiment with other cheeses or additional ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes or cooked ground meat.

Storage and Shelf Life:

Leftover Spinach and Three-Cheese Stuffed Shells can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm it in the oven until heated through.
Avoid freezing the dish as pasta dishes with creamy fillings may not freeze and reheat well.

How many calories?

The calorie content of Spinach and Three-Cheese Stuffed Shells can vary depending on the specific recipe and portion size. On average, a single stuffed shell can contain around 150 to 200 calories. Keep in mind that this is an estimate, and the actual calorie count may differ based on the ingredients used and the size of the pasta shells.

For a more accurate calorie count, it’s recommended to calculate the calories based on the specific quantities of ingredients you use in your recipe. You can find nutritional information for individual ingredients on their packaging or by using online nutritional databases. Then, sum up the calories from each ingredient to get a total calorie count for the dish.

Recipe Review

Impressions:

The Spinach and Three-Cheese Stuffed Shells are a delightful and comforting dish that combines the richness of three different cheeses with the freshness of spinach. The shells are generously filled and baked to perfection, creating a satisfying meal that’s perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners.

Taste Evaluation:

The flavors of the dish are well-balanced, with the creaminess of the cheese mixture complementing the earthy notes of the spinach. The marinara sauce adds a pleasant tanginess, while the pasta shells provide a comforting texture. The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses creates a gooey and indulgent filling that’s both satisfying and comforting. The overall taste is savory, cheesy, and inviting, making it a favorite among cheese and pasta lovers alike.

I am Korean and I love cooking all kinds of food, including American cuisine.
Thank you for reading my blog today. If you have any questions about Korean food,
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Enjoy your meal and have a happy day! ♥