Description
These Greek Stuffed Shells with Spinach, Feta & Lemon Cream are everything you want in a baked pasta—comforting, creamy, zesty, and packed with herby Mediterranean flavor. Tender jumbo shells are filled with a savory ricotta-spinach mixture, brightened with lemon zest and dill, then baked in a velvety lemon cream sauce until bubbling and golden. It’s a fresh twist on cozy pasta night—meatless, make-ahead friendly, and so satisfying.
Ingredients
For the Shells:
20 jumbo pasta shells
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
5 oz fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup ricotta cheese
¾ cup crumbled feta cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
Zest of 1 lemon
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (or 1 tsp dried)
Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Lemon Cream Sauce:
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
1½ cups milk
Juice of 1 lemon
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Cook pasta shells until al dente, according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
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In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and spinach, sauté until wilted. Let cool slightly.
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In a large bowl, combine ricotta, feta, Parmesan, egg, lemon zest, dill, salt, and pepper. Stir in the spinach mixture.
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In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour. Cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and bring to a simmer.
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Stir in lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer until sauce thickens slightly.
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Spread a thin layer of sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.
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Stuff each shell with spinach-cheese filling and arrange in dish.
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Pour remaining sauce over the shells. Cover with foil.
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Bake for 20–25 minutes, uncovering for the last few minutes if desired.
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Garnish with fresh herbs or extra feta before serving.
Notes
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You can use frozen spinach—just thaw and squeeze it dry.
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To make ahead, assemble fully and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
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For extra lemony flavor, zest a bit more over the top after baking.
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If sauce thickens too much, thin it with a splash of milk.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Greek-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg