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Introduction
Italian Love-Stuffed Shells
This special Valentine’s Day recipe for Italian Love-Stuffed Shells is perfect for sharing with your loved one. Filled with a creamy ricotta and spinach mixture and topped with a tangy tomato sauce and melted mozzarella, this dish is sure to warm your hearts and hands this Valentine’s Day.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Jumbo pasta shells:
250 g
Ricotta cheese:
250 g
Shredded mozzarella cheese:
200 g
Grated Parmesan cheese:
50 g
Fresh spinach leaves:
150 g
Large eggs:
2
Garlic cloves (minced):
2
Fresh basil leaves (chopped):
30 g
Marinara sauce:
600 ml
Salt and pepper:
to taste
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time:
40 minutes
Total Time:
1 hour
Yield:
4 servings
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, chopped spinach, eggs, minced garlic, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well until fully combined.
4. Spread a layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of a large baking dish.
5. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the ricotta-spinach mixture and place in the prepared baking dish.
6. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells.
7. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella on top.
8. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
10. Let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with additional basil if desired.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Step 2: Cook the Pasta Shells
Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, chopped spinach, eggs, minced garlic, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well until fully combined.
Step 4: Prepare the Baking Dish
Spread a layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of a large baking dish.
Step 5: Stuff the Pasta Shells
Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the ricotta-spinach mixture and place it in the prepared baking dish.
Step 6: Add Marinara Sauce
Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells.
Step 7: Top with Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella on top.
Step 8: Bake Covered
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Step 9: Bake Uncovered
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Step 10: Cool and Serve
Let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with additional basil if desired.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
Storage Instructions
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Instructions
This dish can be frozen before baking. To do so, prepare the stuffed shells and add the sauce, but do not bake. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding extra bake time as needed.
Customization
Feel free to add other ingredients like sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers to the filling for added flavor.
Storage Instructions
Refrigeration
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to allow the dish to cool completely before sealing.
Freezing
You can freeze baked Italian Love-Stuffed Shells for up to 3 months. To freeze, cover the dish with foil or plastic wrap after it has cooled and place it in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Italian Love-Stuffed Shells with a fresh side salad, drizzled with a light vinaigrette for contrast. Garlic bread or bruschetta complements the dish beautifully and enhances the romantic meal ambiance. For a finishing touch, consider a glass of red wine and a sprinkle of fresh basil on top of the shells just before serving.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 4 servings):
– Calories: 450
– Protein: 25g
– Carbohydrates: 45g
– Dietary Fiber: 3g
– Sugars: 4g
– Total Fat: 22g
– Saturated Fat: 12g
– Cholesterol: 120mg
– Sodium: 600mg
Ingredient Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute whole milk ricotta with part-skim ricotta cheese. Instead of spinach, you can use kale or Swiss chard. If you want a dairy-free option, consider cashew cheese or a tofu-based mixture in place of ricotta. For added flavor, swap marinara sauce for pesto or arrabbiata sauce, or use a combination of cheeses like provolone and goat cheese for a unique twist. If you want to keep it vegetarian but introduce some protein, consider adding cooked lentils or chopped mushrooms to the stuffing mixture.
Cook techniques
Boiling Pasta
To cook the jumbo pasta shells, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the shells and cook according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain and allow them to cool slightly before stuffing.
Mixing Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with additional ingredients like mozzarella, Parmesan, spinach, eggs, garlic, basil, salt, and pepper. Ensure all ingredients are well mixed to create a creamy filling that holds together.
Layering Sauce
Before placing the stuffed shells in the baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. This helps prevent sticking and adds flavor to the dish.
Stuffing Shells
Take each cooled pasta shell and carefully stuff it with the ricotta-spinach mixture. Ensure each shell is filled generously without tearing the pasta.
Baking
Cover the baking dish with foil to keep moisture in while baking. Bake for the initial time and then remove the foil to allow the cheese on top to become golden and bubbly.
FAQ
Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of cheeses such as goat cheese or feta for added flavor.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed shells and assemble the dish a day before. Store in the refrigerator and bake when ready to serve.
What can I serve with Italian Love-Stuffed Shells?
This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze any leftovers. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven when ready to eat.
Is there a vegetarian option?
The recipe is already vegetarian due to the use of cheese and spinach. You can also add more vegetables, like mushrooms or zucchini, if desired.
Conclusion
Italian Love-Stuffed Shells are a delightful and romantic dish that is perfect for celebrating special occasions like Valentine’s Day. This comforting recipe combines creamy ricotta and spinach in a perfectly baked shell, topped with tangy marinara and gooey mozzarella, creating an irresistible meal to share with a loved one. Whether enjoyed as a cozy dinner for two or at a lovely gathering, these stuffed shells are sure to impress and provide warmth to your hearts.
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