Baked Stuffed Spinoccoli from Uno Pizzeria & Grill features tender spinach and broccoli blended with creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella, all stuffed inside golden-baked pasta shells topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese for a savory, comforting dish.
Equipments
- Oven
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Saucepan
- Spoon (mixing and serving)
- Cheese grater
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Colander/strainer
- Pasta pot
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Fresh spinach and broccoli florets are key to achieving the natural, vibrant flavor and texture in this dish, so selecting high-quality, fresh produce is essential. Creamy ricotta cheese blended with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan creates a rich, cheesy filling that balances the vegetables perfectly. Jumbo pasta shells must be cooked al dente to hold the filling without breaking during baking. Marinara sauce should be well-seasoned to complement the mildness of the cheese mixture. Your experience recreating Baked Stuffed Spinoccoli from Uno Pizzeria & Grill will be more satisfying when you use these carefully chosen ingredients for authentic taste and texture.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add spinach and broccoli; sauté until spinach is wilted and broccoli is tender.
- Transfer cooked vegetables to a cutting board; chop finely and let cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and chopped spinach-broccoli mixture.
- Spread 1 cup marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Stuff each cooked pasta shell with spinach-broccoli-cheese mixture.
- Arrange stuffed shells in the baking dish.
- Pour remaining marinara sauce over stuffed shells.
- Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Cover baking dish with foil.
- Bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil; bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Substitution
Baked Stuffed Spinoccoli from Uno Pizzeria & Grill copycat menu combines tender spinach and broccoli with ricotta and mozzarella inside baked pasta shells, topped with marinara and cheese for a rich flavor. You can substitute frozen spinach and broccoli if fresh produce is unavailable, just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture. Ricotta cheese can be replaced with cottage cheese blended until smooth for a similar creamy texture. Using whole wheat or gluten-free jumbo shells provides dietary flexibility without compromising the dish's integrity. Keep an eye on the baking time as ovens vary, ensuring the cheese is melted and bubbly but not overcooked.
Tips
When cooking jumbo pasta shells, be sure not to overcook them to maintain their shape for stuffing. You can finely chop the sauteed spinach and broccoli once slightly cooled to ensure even filling consistency. Use fresh mozzarella and Parmesan for the best melt and flavor in your baked stuffed shells. Allowing the dish to rest after baking helps the filling set, making serving easier and preserving the texture.
Nutritions
Baked Stuffed Spinoccoli offers a nutrient-rich combination of spinach and broccoli, providing essential vitamins A, C, and K, as well as dietary fiber that supports digestion. The creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella cheeses add a good source of calcium and protein, crucial for bone health and muscle maintenance. The jumbo pasta shells supply carbohydrates for energy, while the egg contributes additional high-quality protein and essential amino acids. You'll enjoy a balanced meal that supports overall wellness with antioxidants and healthy fats from the olive oil.
Storage
Store your Baked Stuffed Spinoccoli in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor. For longer storage, freeze the dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, ensuring to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven. Reheat covered with foil at 350degF (175degC) until warmed through to preserve the creamy texture of the ricotta and the melted cheese topping.
Variation or Alternatives
You can experiment by substituting the ricotta cheese with cottage cheese or a blend of cream cheese and mozzarella for a different texture and creaminess. Roasting the broccoli instead of sauteing it will add a deeper, smoky flavor to the filling. To make the dish gluten-free, use gluten-free jumbo pasta shells, which are available in many grocery stores. For an extra protein boost, consider adding cooked Italian sausage or ground turkey to the spinach and broccoli mixture before stuffing the shells.
Allergies
Baked Stuffed Spinoccoli contains dairy ingredients such as ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, which can trigger allergic reactions in individuals with milk allergies or lactose intolerance. The pasta shells typically contain wheat, posing a risk for those with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. You should carefully check for potential egg allergies due to the inclusion of a large egg in the recipe.
Why this recipe?
The Baked Stuffed Spinoccoli from Uno Pizzeria & Grill blends fresh spinach and broccoli with creamy cheeses, offering a rich, savory flavor that appeals to vegetable lovers and comfort food enthusiasts alike. Its perfectly baked texture combines crispy edges with a gooey center, making each bite satisfying and flavorful. You'll appreciate the balanced taste and the way the ingredients complement each other, creating a nutrient-packed dish that's both indulgent and wholesome. Trying to make the copycat recipe lets you recreate this unique appetizer at home, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a gourmet treat with ease.