Description
These Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells are the ultimate comfort food, with jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy ricotta-spinach mixture, topped with marinara sauce, and baked to perfection. This hearty and easy-to-make dish is perfect for family dinners or meal prepping, and it’s customizable to suit your tastes!
Ingredients
12–15 jumbo pasta shells (about 1/2 a box)
2 cups ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped) or 1 cup frozen spinach (thawed and drained)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
2 cups marinara sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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Cook the Pasta Shells: Boil jumbo pasta shells in salted water for 8–10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
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Make the Filling: In a large bowl, mix ricotta, 1/2 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, and egg until well combined. In a skillet, heat olive oil, cook garlic for 30 seconds, then add spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir the spinach mixture into the ricotta filling.
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Stuff the Shells: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1 cup marinara sauce in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Stuff each pasta shell with about 2 tablespoons of the ricotta-spinach filling and arrange in the baking dish, open side up. Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells.
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Bake the Dish: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes, until heated through and bubbly.
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Serve: Let rest for a few minutes, garnish with basil leaves, and serve warm.
Notes
Add Meat: You can add cooked ground beef or sausage to the filling for extra protein.
Cheese Swap: Try cottage cheese for a lighter filling, or add more mozzarella for extra cheesiness.
Vegan Option: Use plant-based ricotta and cheese substitutes for a dairy-free version.
Other Greens: Try kale or Swiss chard in place of spinach for a different flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
