frozen spinach recipe

The Best frozen spinach recipe

Creamy Garlic Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells with Frozen Spinach

4.7 from 1694 votes

A comforting dish featuring jumbo pasta shells stuffed with a creamy ricotta and spinach mixture, baked with a rich tomato sauce and topped with melted cheese. Perfect for a cozy meal!

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Prep Time20 mins

Cook Time40 mins

Resting Time0 mins

Total Time60 mins

Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 550 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta Shells

• 12 oz jumbo pasta shells
• 1 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Tomato Sauce

• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Topping

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

👨‍🍳Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
2. 2
   In a large bowl, mix ricotta, Parmesan, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir in the thawed and drained spinach until well combined.
3. 3
   In a separate bowl, combine crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, minced garlic, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir in olive oil.
4. 4
   Using kitchen shears, cut the bottoms off the cooked pasta shells to create an opening. Spoon the ricotta-spinach mixture into each shell, pressing gently to fill them.
5. 5
   Place the stuffed shells seam-side down in a greased baking dish. Pour the tomato sauce evenly over the shells, ensuring they are fully covered. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
6. 6
   Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from oven, top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan, and return to the oven for 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
7. 7
   Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

🔧Equipment

• Large mixing bowls
• Kitchen shears
• Baking sheet
• Oven
• Pasta cooker or pot
• Mixing spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 550 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22💛Saturated Fat: 12❤️Cholesterol: 50🧂Sodium: 1200🌾Total Carbs: 65🥦Dietary Fiber: 8🍬Sugars: 10🥩Protein: 25

📝Notes

• For a lighter version, reduce the amount of cheese or use low-fat ricotta.
• You can add cooked ground beef or turkey to the ricotta mixture for extra protein.
• Make sure to drain the spinach well to avoid a soggy texture.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Garlic Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells with Frozen Spinach

What is the best way to prepare frozen spinach before cooking it?

The best way to prepare frozen spinach is to drain it thoroughly by placing it in a colander and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes. After draining, you can squeeze out as much liquid as possible using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This helps prevent a watery or soggy texture in your dish.

Why does my frozen spinach turn out mushy when cooked?

Frozen spinach can become mushy due to overcooking or not draining it properly. To avoid this, cook it quickly over medium-high heat—about 2-3 minutes for sautéing or stir-frying—and use a bit of fat (like butter, olive oil, or oil spray) to prevent sticking. If you’re blending it into a sauce, ensure it’s thawed and drained first.

Can I use frozen spinach in place of fresh spinach in any recipe?

Yes, frozen spinach works well in most recipes, but there are a few differences. It may lack the vibrant green color and crisp texture of fresh spinach, but it retains most of its nutrients and is often more convenient. For best results, thaw it completely and drain well before cooking.

How long does it take to cook frozen spinach?

The cooking time depends on the method:
– Sautéing/stir-frying: 2–3 minutes over medium-high heat.
– Steaming: 5–7 minutes until tender-crisp.
– Blending into sauces: 3–5 minutes of thawing and draining before blending.
Always check for doneness—spinach should wilt but not become mushy.

What are some great ways to use frozen spinach in recipes?

Frozen spinach is versatile and works in:
– Spinach and cheese omelets (just drain and sauté with eggs).
– Quick pasta sauces (blend with garlic, butter, and Parmesan).
– Stuffed peppers (mix into a filling with rice, tomatoes, and spices).
– Spinach and ricotta stuffed shells (use thawed and drained spinach).
– Smoothies or blended soups (for extra nutrients).