Garlic and Spinach Stuffed Pasta Shells: A Comforting Culinary Delight

Ingredients

• 20 pieces jumbo pasta shells
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 24 oz marinara sauce
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 Prise fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a medium skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted (about 3-4 minutes).
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, sautéed spinach and garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until combined.
5. Take a spoonful of the cheese and spinach mixture and stuff each cooked pasta shell. Place the stuffed shells in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
6. Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are well coated. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
7. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.