Take your pasta game to the next level with these Creamy Bacon Spinach Stuffed Shells. Packed with creamy ricotta, savory bacon, and tender spinach, each jumbo pasta shell is a comforting bite of Italian-inspired goodness. Topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella, this dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a meal to impress guests.

Whether you’re looking for a hearty main dish or a flavorful addition to your dinner table, these stuffed shells are guaranteed to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love Creamy Bacon Spinach Stuffed Shells

• Rich & Cheesy: A creamy ricotta and mozzarella filling makes every bite indulgent.
• Savory Bacon Flavor: Crumbled bacon adds a smoky twist to this classic dish.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep the shells in advance and bake them when ready, making it perfect for busy evenings.

Creamy Bacon Spinach Stuffed Shells Recipe

Ingredients:

• 12 jumbo pasta shells 🍝
• 1 cup ricotta cheese 🧀
• 1 cup cooked spinach, chopped 🥬
• ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon 🥓
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 🧀
• 1 cup marinara sauce 🍅

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Cook the Pasta Shells:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain and let them cool slightly, ensuring they’re easy to handle.
3. Prepare the Filling:
   • In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, crumbled bacon, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix until well blended.
4. Stuff the Shells:
   • Carefully spoon the filling into each cooked pasta shell. Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
5. Add Sauce & Cheese:
   • Pour marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top for a gooey, melty finish.
6. Bake & Serve:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Stuffed Shells

• Prevent Sticking: Toss the cooked shells in a little olive oil to keep them from sticking together.
• Customize the Filling: Add sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or fresh herbs for extra flavor.
• Freeze for Later: Assemble the stuffed shells in a freezer-safe dish and freeze before baking. When ready to enjoy, bake straight from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

Why These Stuffed Shells Are a Family Favorite

Creamy Bacon Spinach Stuffed Shells combine comfort and sophistication in one dish. The creamy, cheesy filling, paired with the smoky bacon and tender pasta shells, is a surefire way to please any crowd. It’s a versatile recipe that works just as well for weeknight meals as it does for special occasions.

Did you try this recipe? Let me know how it turned out in the comments! Don’t forget to share your favorite variations and follow me for more delicious pasta recipes.

Creamy Bacon Spinach Stuffed Shells – A Comfort Food Favorite

Take your pasta game to the next level with these Creamy Bacon Spinach Stuffed Shells. Packed with creamy ricotta, savory bacon, and tender spinach, each jumbo pasta shell is a comforting bite of Italian-inspired goodness. Topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella, this dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a meal to impress guests.

By Jason GriffithPublished on December 1, 2024

Prep Time15 min

Cook Time30 min

Total Time45 min

Servings4 servings

Category: Main Dishes

Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup cooked spinach
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 8-10 jumbo pasta shells
• 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

See also  The Best Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, cooked spinach, crumbled bacon, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
4. Fill each cooked pasta shell with the ricotta mixture and place them in a greased baking dish.
5. Pour marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, covering them evenly.
6. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
7. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve hot.

Nutrition Information

@type: NutritionInformation

Calories: 450 calories

Protein Content: 24g

Carbohydrate Content: 50g

Fat Content: 20g

Tags: stuffed shells, pasta, comfort food, Italian recipe, bacon spinach

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