These Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells are a cozy and comforting dish, filled with creamy ricotta and fresh spinach. They sit in a yummy marinara sauce that makes each bite a pleasure!
Honestly, who can resist pasta stuffed with cheesy goodness? I love to sprinkle some extra cheese on top before baking. It just makes everything even better! 😋
Making these shells is super easy! Just cook the pasta, mix the filling, stuff them up, and let the oven do the rest. Perfect for a family dinner or special occasion!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta Shells: Jumbo shells are perfect for holding the filling. If you can’t find them, try using manicotti or even cannelloni. Just remember, larger pasta works best for this dish.
Ricotta Cheese: Ricotta is the star here! For a lighter option, consider cottage cheese or even goat cheese for a different flavor. You can also blend the cottage cheese to make it creamier.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds lots of nutrients and flavor. If you’re short on fresh, frozen spinach works just fine—just be sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture.
Cheeses: While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic choices, feel free to substitute other cheeses, like provolone or feta, depending on your taste. I love adding some sharp cheddar for extra flavor!
Marinara Sauce: You can use store-bought marinara or homemade. If you want to spice things up, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning to the sauce.
How Do I Got Perfectly Stuffed Shells Without Making a Mess?
Stuffing shells can sometimes be tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll be a pro! Start by cooling your filling so it’s easier to handle.
- Use a small spoon or a piping bag (even a zip-top bag with a corner cut off works!) for precise filling.
- Fill each shell generously but be careful not to overstuff them, as they can split!
- Arrange the stuffed shells snugly in your baking dish, but leave some space to avoid crowding.
By following these steps, you’ll have beautifully filled shells ready for baking!
How to Make Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stuffed Shells:
- 20 large jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or thawed and drained frozen spinach)
- 1 large egg
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For Garnish:
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped for garnish
- Olive oil (for sautéing spinach and garlic)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare and about 40 minutes to bake. Overall, you’ll have a hearty meal ready in about 1 hour and 10 minutes. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to keep your stuffed shells from sticking.
2. Cook the Pasta Shells:
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until they are al dente. When done, drain them and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set the shells aside to cool.
3. Sauté Spinach and Garlic:
Next, grab a skillet and heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until it’s fragrant. Then toss in the chopped spinach and cook until it’s wilted if fresh, or heated through if using frozen. Drain any excess moisture from the spinach and let it cool for a bit.
4. Make the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, cooked spinach, garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you’d like a little kick). Mix all of these together until it’s smooth and well combined.
5. Assemble the Dish:
Take 1 cup of marinara sauce and spread it evenly over the bottom of your greased baking dish. Now, it’s time to stuff those shells! Fill each cooked shell with the ricotta and spinach mixture and place them snugly in the dish, facing up.
6. Add More Sauce and Cheese:
Once all the shells are in the dish, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells. Then sprinkle the last 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese on top for that delicious cheesy finish.
7. Bake:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the oven for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and let it bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once out of the oven, let the dish cool for a few minutes. Finally, garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy spinach and ricotta stuffed shells warm with a side of green salad or garlic bread!
Can I Use Low-Fat Ricotta Cheese?
Absolutely! Low-fat ricotta cheese can be used in this recipe for a lighter option. Just remember that it might have a slightly different texture and flavor, but it will still be delicious!
Can I Make These Stuffed Shells Vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is already vegetarian! Simply ensure that you are using marinara sauce without meat. You can also add more vegetables if you like, such as mushrooms or bell peppers, for extra flavor and nutrition.
How Should I Store Leftover Stuffed Shells?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of marinara sauce to keep them moist.
What Can I Serve with Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or garlic knots. You can also serve it alongside steamed vegetables for a complete meal!
