Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells | Made by Meaghan Moineau
### Title: Delightfully Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells: A Comforting Family Classic
#### Description: Dive into the rich flavors of Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells, a wholesome and delicious main dish that brings families together. Discover the simple steps to create this comforting meal, and enjoy a nostalgic tale of family gatherings centered around this beloved recipe. Perfect for a cozy night in, this dish is sure to become a cherished favorite.
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### Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells: A Wholesome Family Favorite
There's something undeniably comforting about a pan of cheesy, saucy stuffed shells fresh out of the oven. The aroma fills the kitchen, and suddenly, it feels as though every corner of the house is wrapped in a warm, loving embrace. This recipe for Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells is not just about the delightful combination of flavors, but it’s also about the memories it creates and the love it represents.
#### Ingredients:
- Jumbo shells
- Cooked frozen spinach
- Wheat germ
- Shredded parmesan cheese
- Pecans
- Shredded Mexican cheese
- Diced green onions
- Salt
- Dried basil
- Eggs
- Water
- Alfredo sauce
- Spaghetti sauce
#### Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Shells**: Begin by pre-boiling your jumbo shells in a large pot of salted water. Cook them for about 9 minutes, then drain them face down on a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
2. **Create the Filling**: While the shells cook, prepare the filling by microwaving the frozen spinach according to the package instructions, without adding water. Once thawed, mix in wheat germ, parmesan cheese, shredded Mexican cheese, chopped pecans, and diced green onions. Season with salt, pepper, and dried basil to taste. For a unique twist, a pinch of nutmeg can be added as well.
3. **Combine Ingredients**: Add in two eggs and a splash of water, mixing until the eggs are fully incorporated into the spinach mixture. Stuff each shell with this delicious filling.
4. **Assemble the Dish**: Grease an 8 x 8 (or 9 x 1) baking pan with cooking spray. Spread a layer of Alfredo sauce on the bottom, followed by spaghetti sauce. Arrange the stuffed shells over the sauce, then top with the remaining sauce.
5. **Bake and Serve**: Place the dish in a preheated 350-degree oven, uncovered, and bake for 30-35 minutes until the sauce is bubbly. Serve hot, and enjoy!
#### Nostalgic Family Memory:
I remember the first time my grandmother taught me how to make these Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells. It was a chilly Sunday afternoon, and the entire family was gathered at her cozy kitchen. The snow was gently falling outside, but inside, the warmth from the oven and the laughter shared over mixing bowls made the world feel just right.
Grandma had a way of making cooking feel like an art, and her love for family meals was evident in every dish she prepared. As we stuffed the shells together, she shared stories of her childhood and how her own mother would prepare this dish for family gatherings. It was a tradition passed down through generations, each shell filled with not just ingredients but with love and memories.
#### Difficulty: 4/10
#### Classification: Main Dish
This recipe for Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells is an easy-to-follow main dish perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in. With its simple instructions and familiar flavors, it's a delightful way to bring everyone together around the dinner table. Whether you're creating new memories or reminiscing about old ones, this dish is sure to become a cherished part of your family's culinary tradition.