This slow cooker stuffed shells recipe is a hearty and delicious meal that's perfect for any occasion. The shells are generously filled with a creamy cottage cheese and spinach mixture, then slow-cooked to perfection in a savory pasta sauce. The result is a mouthwatering dish that's sure to impress.
Most of the ingredients in this recipe are common pantry staples. However, jumbo pasta shells might not be something you keep on hand. These are larger than regular pasta shells and specifically designed for stuffing. When shopping, you might also want to pay attention to the cottage cheese. Make sure to buy the full-fat variety for a creamier filling. Finally, spinach can be fresh or frozen. If you opt for the frozen kind, make sure to thaw and squeeze out the excess water before use.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells
Jumbo pasta shells: These are larger than regular pasta shells and are ideal for stuffing with the cheese and spinach mixture.
Pasta sauce: This forms the base of the slow cooker dish. Any variety of pasta sauce will work.
Cottage cheese: This adds creaminess to the stuffing. Full-fat cottage cheese is recommended.
Spinach: An excellent source of nutrients. It can be fresh or frozen. If using frozen, thaw and drain it first.
Mozzarella cheese: This will melt over the shells, adding a gooey, cheesy layer.
Parmesan cheese: Used in the filling and also sprinkled on top for a crispy cheese layer.
Eggs: Help to bind the ingredients together.
Garlic powder: Adds a kick of flavor to the stuffing.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that complements the flavors of the dish perfectly.
One reader, Ernesto Farnsworth says:
This slow cooker stuffed shells recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are incredible, and the convenience of using a slow cooker makes it a go-to for busy weeknights. The creamy filling and rich sauce make for a comforting and satisfying meal. I highly recommend trying it out!
Techniques for Preparing Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells
How to cook pasta shells al dente: Cook the pasta shells in boiling water for a few minutes less than the package instructions, as they will continue to cook in the slow cooker. Then, rinse in cold water and drain well.
How to stuff the shells: Combine the cottage cheese, spinach, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, eggs, and seasoning. Then, carefully stuff the mixture into the cooked shells using a spoon or small spatula.
How to layer the shells in the slow cooker: Start by spreading a layer of pasta sauce on the bottom of the slow cooker. Then, arrange half of the stuffed shells in a single layer, and top with more pasta sauce. Repeat the layering process until all the shells are in the slow cooker.
How to garnish with parsley: Simply sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the finished dish before serving for a pop of color and added freshness.
How To Make Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells
Busy schedule? Don’t worry! Our Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells Recipe saves the day with easy-to-reheat pasta shells stuffed with cheese and spinach. Yummy!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 28jumbopasta shells
- 26ozpasta sauce
- 3cupscottage cheeseor ricotta cheese
- 1packagespinachdrained and squeezed dry
- 2cupsmozzarella cheeseshredded, divided
- ½ cupParmesan cheesegrated, divided
- ½ tspgarlic powder
- 1tspItalian Seasoning
Instructions
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Cook the pasta shells al dente according to package directions. Rinse in cold water and drain well.
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Combine cottage cheese, spinach, ½ cup of mozzarella cheese, ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese, eggs, and seasoning. Then, stuff the mixture into cooked shells.
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Place ½ cup of the pasta sauce in the bottom of a 6QT slow cooker. Line with half of the shells and top with 1 cup of the pasta sauce. Repeat in layers.
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Sprinkle with cheese and cook on high for 2 to 3 hours or on low for 3 to 4 hours.
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Garnish with parsley if desired. Then serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 1361.81kcal
- Fat: 69.18g
- Saturated Fat: 40.73g
- Trans Fat: 0.01g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 19.27g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.08g
- Carbohydrates: 82.70g
- Fiber: 6.10g
- Sugar: 14.25g
- Protein: 100.02g
- Cholesterol: 253.12mg
- Sodium: 3649.87mg
- Calcium: 2462.27mg
- Potassium: 1207.74mg
- Iron: 5.36mg
- Vitamin A: 805.88µg
- Vitamin C: 15.88mg
Helpful Technique for Preparing Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells
When stuffing the pasta shells, it's best to use a small spoon or even a piping bag to ensure an even distribution of the cottage cheese and spinach mixture. This will not only make the process easier but also ensure every bite is filled with delicious filling. Also, remember to not overcook the shells initially as they will continue to cook in the slow cooker. They should be cooked until al dente, or firm to the bite, to prevent them from becoming too soft and breaking apart during the slow cooking process.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Recipe
Prep ahead: Prepare the stuffed shells the night before and refrigerate. This will save time on the day of cooking. Use store-bought sauce: Opt for a quality store-bought pasta sauce to save time on making the sauce from scratch. Batch cooking: Make a double batch and freeze half for a quick and easy meal another day. Organize ingredients: Gather all the ingredients and utensils before starting to streamline the cooking process. Slow cooker liners: Use slow cooker liners for easy cleanup and to save time on scrubbing the pot.
Substitute Ingredients For Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells Recipe
- pasta sauce - Substitute with diced tomatoes: Diced tomatoes can be used as a base for the sauce and can be seasoned to taste with Italian herbs and spices.
- cottage cheese - Substitute with ricotta cheese: Ricotta cheese has a similar texture and flavor to cottage cheese, making it a suitable replacement in the recipe.
- spinach - Substitute with kale: Kale can be used as a substitute for spinach, providing a similar texture and flavor in the dish.
- mozzarella cheese - Substitute with provolone cheese: Provolone cheese can be used as a substitute for mozzarella, providing a slightly different flavor profile while still melting well.
- parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino romano cheese: Pecorino Romano cheese has a similar salty and nutty flavor to Parmesan and can be used as a substitute in the recipe.
- eggs - Substitute with flaxseed meal: Flaxseed meal can be used as a binding agent in place of eggs for a vegan-friendly alternative.
- garlic powder - Substitute with minced garlic: Minced garlic can be used as a substitute for garlic powder, providing a more intense and fresh garlic flavor to the dish.
- italian seasoning - Substitute with dried oregano and basil: A combination of dried oregano and basil can be used to replace Italian seasoning, providing similar herbaceous flavors.
Presenting Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells
Elevate the plating: Carefully arrange the stuffed shells on the plate, ensuring they are neatly placed and not overcrowded. Use a clean, white plate to allow the vibrant colors of the dish to stand out.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle finely chopped fresh basil and parsley over the stuffed shells to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor. This will also enhance the visual appeal of the dish.
Drizzle with a balsamic reduction: Create a beautiful design on the plate by drizzling a balsamic reduction in a circular motion around the stuffed shells. This adds a touch of elegance and a depth of flavor to the dish.
Add a touch of microgreens: Carefully place a small cluster of microgreens, such as arugula or pea shoots, on top of the stuffed shells. This not only adds a delicate, gourmet touch but also provides a fresh, vibrant element to the presentation.
Use a high-quality serving platter: Present the stuffed shells on a sleek, modern serving platter to create a sophisticated and professional presentation. Choose a platter that complements the colors of the dish and enhances its overall visual appeal.
Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce edible flowers, such as nasturtiums or pansies, to the plating for a visually stunning and elegant touch. Ensure that the flowers are thoroughly cleaned and free from any pesticides before use.
Consider the use of edible gold leaf: For an extravagant touch, delicately place a few edible gold leaf flakes on top of the stuffed shells. This luxurious addition will elevate the dish to a whole new level of sophistication.
Accentuate with a lemon wedge: Place a small, neatly cut lemon wedge on the side of the plate to add a refreshing and citrusy element to the presentation. This also serves as a visual cue for the diner to enhance the flavors of the dish.
Utilize a sauce drizzle: Create an artistic drizzle of the pasta sauce on the plate, using a squeeze bottle or a small spoon, to add a decorative element that complements the flavors of the stuffed shells.
Enhance with a sprinkle of sea salt: Just before serving, lightly sprinkle a touch of high-quality sea salt over the stuffed shells to enhance the flavors and provide a subtle, gourmet finish to the dish.
Essential Tools for Making Stuffed Shells in a Slow Cooker
Slow cooker: A slow cooker is a countertop electrical cooking appliance used for simmering, which requires maintaining a relatively low temperature compared to other cooking methods.
Pasta pot: A large pot with a strainer insert is ideal for cooking pasta, allowing you to easily drain the water without losing any of the pasta.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining ingredients and mixing the stuffing for the shells.
Baking dish: A baking dish is used to layer the stuffed shells and sauce before placing them in the slow cooker.
Spatula: A spatula is useful for spreading the pasta sauce and cheese layers evenly in the slow cooker.
Measuring cups and spoons: Accurately measuring the ingredients is crucial for the success of the recipe.
Cooking spray: Cooking spray is used to prevent the stuffed shells from sticking to the slow cooker.
Storing and Freezing Leftover Stuffed Shells
Here are the detailed instructions for storing and freezing slow cooker stuffed shells:
- If you have any leftover stuffed shells, allow them to cool completely before storing. Transfer the shells to an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To reheat, place the desired number of shells in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat the shells in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the stuffed shells. Place the cooled shells in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. Label the container with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- To reheat frozen shells, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. Then, place the desired number of shells in a baking dish, cover with pasta sauce, and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until heated through and bubbly.
- If you want to freeze the entire batch of stuffed shells before cooking, assemble the dish as directed in the recipe, but do not cook it. Cover the slow cooker insert tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to cook, remove the plastic wrap, replace the aluminum foil, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the shells are heated through and the cheese is melted.
Reheating Leftover Stuffed Shells
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover stuffed shells in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and slightly brown on top.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave. Place a few stuffed shells on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as the shells may become rubbery.
For a crispy top, place the leftover stuffed shells under the broiler for a few minutes after reheating in the oven or microwave. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
If the stuffed shells seem dry after reheating, add a splash of water, pasta sauce, or chicken broth to the dish before reheating to help maintain moisture.
To maintain the best texture, avoid reheating stuffed shells more than once. If you have a large amount of leftovers, consider reheating only the portion you plan to eat and store the rest in the refrigerator.
Interesting Fact About Stuffed Shells
The slow cooker stuffed shells recipe is a great make-ahead dish for busy days. It can be prepared in advance and refrigerated until you are ready to cook it. This recipe is also versatile, allowing you to customize the filling with your favorite ingredients such as sausage or mushrooms.
Is Making Stuffed Shells in a Slow Cooker Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this slow cooker stuffed shells recipe is quite favorable for a household. The ingredients, such as pasta shells, cottage cheese, and spinach, are generally affordable and readily available. The use of mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese adds a touch of indulgence without significantly increasing the cost. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20, making it a budget-friendly option. As for the verdict, this recipe earns a solid 8 out of 10 for its balance of cost and flavor.
Is This Dish Healthy or Unhealthy?
The slow cooker stuffed shells recipe, while undeniably delicious, may not be the healthiest option due to its high cheese content and the use of pasta sauce, which often contains added sugars and preservatives. The recipe relies heavily on dairy products, including cottage cheese, mozzarella, and parmesan, which can contribute to high levels of saturated fat and sodium. However, the inclusion of spinach does provide some essential vitamins and minerals.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Opt for low-fat cottage cheese and reduced-fat mozzarella to decrease the overall fat content
- Use whole wheat or vegetable-based pasta shells to increase fiber intake
- Prepare a homemade pasta sauce using fresh tomatoes, herbs, and spices to control the amount of added sugars and sodium
- Incorporate additional vegetables, such as grated zucchini or finely chopped carrots, into the cheese mixture for added nutrients and fiber
- Reduce the amount of cheese used in the recipe and experiment with plant-based alternatives, such as tofu or cashew-based ricotta
- Serve the stuffed shells with a side salad or steamed vegetables to balance out the meal and provide additional nutrients
Editor's Opinion on Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells
This slow cooker stuffed shells recipe is a delightful and convenient dish for any occasion. The combination of jumbo pasta shells, savory spinach, and a blend of cheeses creates a rich and satisfying flavor. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a comforting and hearty meal. The use of the slow cooker makes this recipe incredibly convenient, perfect for busy days. The finished dish is a beautiful blend of textures and flavors, making it a sure crowd-pleaser. Enjoy this delicious and comforting meal with your loved ones!
Why trust this Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells Recipe:
This slow cooker stuffed shells recipe is a delicious and convenient choice for any home cook. The combination of pasta shells, cottage cheese, and spinach creates a satisfying and flavorful filling. The slow cooker method ensures that the flavors meld together perfectly, while the layers of mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese add a rich and indulgent touch. With the added convenience of using a slow cooker, this recipe promises a hassle-free cooking experience. Trust in the simplicity and heartiness of this dish, and you'll be rewarded with a comforting and satisfying meal.
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