Asiago Cheese & Spinach Stuffed Shells Recipe

If you're looking for a decadent, rich, and family-approved pasta dish, this Asiago Cheese & Spinach Stuffed Shells recipe is perfect for you. Originally inspired by Everyday Italian by Giada De Laurentiis, this recipe brings comfort food to a whole new level. It’s simple, delicious, and guaranteed to impress!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With only 30 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of baking time, it’s a great choice for weeknights or dinner parties.

• Rich & Flavourful: The creamy Asiago cheese sauce combined with pancetta and spinach creates a luxurious flavor profile.

• Perfect for Sharing: A little goes a long way with this indulgent dish, making it great for feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

For the Shells:

• 1 (12 oz) package jumbo shells pasta (e.g., Lancia)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1/2 pound thick-cut pancetta, diced (about 3/4-inch cubes)

• 2 pounds frozen spinach, thawed and drained (about 2 packages)

• 1 (15 oz) container whole milk ricotta cheese

• 1 cup grated Asiago cheese

• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 2 cups grated Asiago cheese (plus an extra 1/4 cup for topping)

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare the Pasta Shells

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

• Add the jumbo shells and cook until tender but still firm to the bite (8-10 minutes), stirring occasionally.

• Drain the pasta and set it aside.

3. Make the Filling

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

• Add the diced pancetta and cook until lightly golden, about 5 minutes.

• Using a slotted spoon, transfer the pancetta to a large mixing bowl.

• Add the thawed spinach, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of Asiago cheese, ground black pepper, and nutmeg. Stir to combine.

4. Stuff the Shells

• Butter a large baking dish (you may need an additional small dish).

• Carefully stuff each pasta shell with the spinach and cheese filling, placing them snugly in the baking dish.

5. Make the Sauce

• Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over low-medium heat.

• Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

• Pour in the cream and bring it to a gentle simmer.

• Reduce the heat to low and stir in the 2 cups of Asiago cheese, parsley, and black pepper. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.

6. Pour the Sauce

• Using a ladle, pour the Asiago cream sauce evenly over the stuffed shells. Be sure the sauce covers all the shells for maximum flavor.

• Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of Asiago cheese on top.

7. Bake the Shells

• Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

• Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this rich dish with a light arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the flavors.

• Serve with a crusty Italian baguette to soak up the delicious sauce.

• A glass of white wine, like a Pinot Grigio, complements the creamy Asiago perfectly.

Pro Tips

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: The shells will continue to cook in the oven, so undercooking slightly is key.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: If you have fresh spinach on hand, sauté it briefly before mixing it into the filling.

• Double the Recipe: This dish freezes well, so make an extra batch to enjoy later!

Final Thoughts

This Asiago Cheese & Spinach Stuffed Shells recipe is a showstopper for any meal. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating your family, this creamy and flavorful dish is sure to become a favourite. Don’t forget to savour every bite!