Go Back
–+ servings
Paneer and spinach stuffed pasta shells served fresh from the oven
Print Recipe

Paneer and Spinach Stuffed Pasta Shells

Paneer and Spinach Stuffed Shells are a comforting vegetarian pasta dish filled with a creamy paneer and spinach mixture. They are easy to prepare ahead and work well for family dinners or busy evenings.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Keyword: Paneer and Spinach Stuffed Pasta Shells
Servings: 3
Calories: 362kcal

Ingredients

For the Filling

  • 200 g paneer crumbled
  • 100 g spinach finely chopped
  • 100 g ricotta or cream cheese
  • 2.5 ml cumin powder
  • Salt to taste

For the Sauce

  • 15 ml oil
  • 70 g onion finely chopped
  • 3 g garlic minced
  • 200 ml tomato sauce
  • 2.5 ml garam masala

For Assembly

  • 12 large cooked pasta shells
  • 60 g grated cheese
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Heat oil, sauté onion and garlic 3 min. Add tomato sauce and garam masala. Simmer 5 min.
  • Mix paneer, spinach, ricotta, cumin, and salt.
  • Fill cooked shells with the paneer mix.
  • Spread sauce in a baking dish, arrange shells on top, and sprinkle cheese.
  • Bake at 180°C / 350°F for 20–25 min until golden.

Notes

Ingredient swaps
  • Paneer can be replaced with firm tofu if needed. Press it lightly before crumbling.
  • Ricotta can be swapped with cream cheese or a thick béchamel for a richer filling.
  • Spinach can be replaced with frozen spinach. Thaw completely and squeeze out excess moisture.
Technique tips
  • Finely chop the spinach so it mixes evenly with the paneer.
  • Do not overfill the shells, as the filling will expand slightly while baking.
  • Spoon enough sauce around the shells to keep them moist during baking.
Make-ahead and storage
  • The stuffed shells can be assembled up to one day in advance and refrigerated.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat covered in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Serving ideas
  • Serve as a main dish with a simple green salad.
  • A light drizzle of olive oil or extra tomato sauce works well when serving.
Twist ideas
  • Add a pinch of chili flakes to the filling for gentle heat.
  • Mix in finely chopped mushrooms for extra texture.
  • Finish with a small sprinkle of grated paneer or mozzarella before baking for extra browning.

Nutrition

Calories: 362kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 64mg | Sodium: 504mg | Potassium: 461mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 3636IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 519mg | Iron: 2mg