Stuffed Pasta Shells with Spinach, Pesto, Peppers & Mozzarella

Stuffed Pasta Shells with Spinach, Pesto, Peppers & Mozzarella is a delightful dish that combines rich flavors and soft textures. This recipe involves large pasta shells that hold a delicious mixture of spinach, seasoned peppers, and gooey mozzarella. Topped with tangy tomato sauce and baked until golden, this meal is both hearty and comforting. Whether you are feeding a family or preparing a dinner for friends, this dish will surely impress.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

One of the great things about Stuffed Pasta Shells is how versatile it is. You can customize it based on what you like or what you have in your kitchen. This meal is not only tasty but also looks beautiful on the plate. The vibrant colors of the spinach and peppers, along with the creamy mozzarella, create an appealing sight.

Another reason you will love this recipe is its simplicity. The steps are easy to follow, and you do not need any advanced cooking skills. This means that even beginners can create a wonderful dish without any trouble. Plus, the recipe offers a healthy balance of ingredients, making it a great choice for anyone looking to eat well.

Finally, this recipe is great for leftovers. Whether you are making dinner for one or a crowd, you can easily store any extra shells for a quick meal later. They taste great even after a day in the fridge, and warming them up is simple.

HOW TO MAKE Stuffed Pasta Shells with Spinach, Pesto, Peppers & Mozzarella

Creating Stuffed Pasta Shells is straightforward, and you can follow these easy steps. It’s a fun process that will leave your kitchen smelling wonderful!

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

To make these stuffed pasta shells, you will need the following equipment:

• A large pot for boiling pasta
• A small pan for sautéing
• A large pan for making the sauce
• An oven-safe dish for baking
• A wooden spoon
• A sharp knife
• A cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 10 giant pasta shells
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 75 grams (3 cups) baby spinach
• 5 tsp pesto
• 1 large roasted red pepper, diced
• 10 mini mozzarella balls/pearls
• Salt and pepper, to season
• 1/4 white/yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp double concentrate tomato puree
• 1 jar (430g or 14 oz) crushed tomatoes, passata rustica
• 1/4 tsp Italian herb seasoning

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook according to the package instructions.
3. Once the shells are cooked, drain them, saving a small amount of the pasta water for later. Allow the shells to cool until they can be handled.
4. In a small pan over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
5. Add the baby spinach to the pan and wilt it down for a few minutes. Season with a little salt and pepper, then remove the spinach and place it on kitchen towels to get rid of the excess oil.
6. In a large pan over medium-low heat, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté these for about 3 minutes or until the onion looks soft.
7. Stir in the tomato puree and cook for another minute.
8. Add the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and about 4 tablespoons of reserved pasta water to the large pan.
9. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes until it thickens.
10. Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat and pour it into an oven-safe dish.
11. Next, it’s time to fill the pasta shells. In each shell, add 1/2 teaspoon of pesto, a couple of wilted spinach leaves, some diced roasted pepper, and a mini mozzarella ball.
12. Place each filled shell into the dish that has the sauce at the bottom.
13. After filling all the shells, season lightly with salt and pepper.
14. Bake the dish in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until everything is cooked through, and the mozzarella is melted and bubbling.
15. Once ready, take it out of the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Stuffed Pasta Shells!

 

 

 

HOW TO SERVE Stuffed Pasta Shells

When it comes to serving Stuffed Pasta Shells, you have several options. You can serve them warm right out of the oven, garnished with some fresh basil or a sprinkle of cheese for added flavor. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread to enhance your meal.

If you wish to impress guests, consider serving it with a nice glass of white wine or sparkling water infused with lemon. This will balance the richness of the stuffed shells and create a pleasant dining experience.

STORAGE & FREEZING: Stuffed Pasta Shells

If you have leftovers, storing them is easy. Allow the pasta shells to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep well for about 3-4 days.

For freezing, place the cooled stuffed shells in a freezer-safe container or bag. Be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you are ready to eat them, simply reheat them in the oven or microwave until heated through.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Here are some great ideas to serve alongside your Stuffed Pasta Shells:

• Garlic Bread: A classic side that goes perfectly with pasta dishes.
• Side Salad: A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette adds a nice crunch.
• Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli or green beans can add nutritional value and color to your plate.
• Cheesy Breadsticks: Make a fun snack to dip into the sauce.

VARIATIONS

While the recipe is delicious as it is, you can switch things up:

• Meaty Additions: Add cooked ground beef or sausage to the filling for extra protein.
• Different Cheeses: Use ricotta, feta, or provolone instead of mozzarella for a different flavor.
• Veggie Variations: Feel free to add zucchini, mushrooms, or other favorite vegetables to the filling.
• Spicy Kick: Add some red pepper flakes to the sauce if you like a bit of heat.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular pasta shells instead of giant ones?
   Yes, you can use regular pasta shells, but the filling amount may need to be adjusted based on the shell size.
2. Is this dish vegan-friendly?
   You can make it vegan by omitting the cheese and using a vegan pesto.
3. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the stuffed shells and store them in the fridge before baking. Just add a bit more cooking time if they go into the oven cold.
4. How do I know when the shells are cooked properly?
   They should be al dente, meaning they should be firm to the bite but cooked enough to fill. Follow package instructions for the best guidance.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Stuffed Pasta Shells

If you want to make your cooking a bit easier, here are some tips for making the stuffed pasta shells ahead of time:

• Pre-Cooking the Shells: You can cook your pasta shells a day in advance. Just keep them separated with a little oil to avoid sticking.
• Preparing the Filling: You can also prepare the filling a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just assemble everything on baking day.
• Make the Sauce in Advance: The tomato sauce can also be made ahead of time and refrigerated. It will save you time when you’re ready to bake.

Following these tips will ensure that when it’s time to cook, you can put together your Stuffed Pasta Shells quickly and easily.

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