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Easy Spinach and Cottage Cheese Stuffed Shells
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Easy Spinach and Cottage Cheese Stuffed Shells

Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Course: Main Course

Ingredients

  • 20 jumbo pasta shells plus a few extra
  • 2 cups cottage cheese blend if you want smooth texture
  • 1½ cups fresh spinach chopped
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook until just al dente, about 1–2 minutes less than package instructions.
    Drain and drizzle with a little olive oil, gently tossing to prevent sticking. Set aside to cool slightly.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, chopped spinach, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined.
    For a smoother filling, blend the cottage cheese before mixing.
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a baking dish.
  • Fill each pasta shell with about 1–2 tablespoons of the cottage cheese mixture. Arrange the filled shells in the baking dish in a single layer.
  • Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, making sure they are evenly covered. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
  • Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
  • Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for about 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve warm.