Spinach and cheese stuffed shells
Spinach and cheese stuffed shells are a classic Italian-American baked pasta dish, featuring large pasta shells filled with a creamy mixture of spinach, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, then baked in marinara sauce. It's a hearty, comforting meal that transforms simple ingredients into a satisfying main course.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is generally high in protein and fat from the cheese filling, with a moderate amount of carbohydrates from the pasta shells. A typical serving provides a good source of calcium, iron, and vitamins A and K from the spinach, with a calorie range of approximately 400-600 per serving depending on portion size and sauce.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 380 kcal |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Carbs | 38 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 650 mg |
| Calcium | 350 mg |
| Iron | 3.5 mg |
| Vitamin A | 450 mcg RAE |
| Vitamin C | 15 mg |
| Vitamin K | 180 mcg |
| Folate | 120 mcg DFE |
| Magnesium | 70 mg |
| Potassium | 420 mg |
Per 3 large shells (approx. 240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, it represents the hearty, family-style cooking of Italian-American cuisine, often served at gatherings. Nutritionally, the spinach adds a valuable dose of leafy green vegetables to an otherwise rich, cheese-forward dish, creating a more balanced comfort food.
