If you're searching for a dish that’s comforting, packed with flavor, and perfect for impressing your family or guests, you can’t go wrong with Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells. This Italian-inspired classic combines tender pasta shells filled with a creamy ricotta and spinach mixture, all baked with marinara sauce and ooey-gooey melted cheese. It’s hearty yet light, simple yet elegant. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is bound to become a favorite.
Below, I’ll guide you step-by-step through the process, so even if you’re not a pro in the kitchen, you can still create a restaurant-worthy meal.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need for this delicious recipe:
For the pasta and filling:
- 20-24 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or use 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the sauce:
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil (optional, for extra richness)
Optional toppings:
- Fresh basil leaves
- Extra Parmesan for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo shells according to the package instructions, but stop 1-2 minutes short of the recommended time. You want them slightly undercooked so they hold their shape when baked.
- Drain the shells and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside to cool.
Step 2: Make the Filling
- If you’re using fresh spinach, sauté it in a pan over medium heat with a little olive oil until wilted (around 2-3 minutes). For frozen spinach, make sure it’s thawed and squeeze out excess water.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic, cooked spinach, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the filling is creamy and evenly blended.
Step 3: Stuff the Shells
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pour about 1 cup of marinara sauce into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
- Using a spoon (or your hands if you prefer), stuff each shell with about 1-2 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture. Don’t overfill; they should just nicely hold the mixture. Place each stuffed shell seam-side up in the baking dish.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
- Once all the shells are stuffed and arranged in the dish, pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the top, ensuring each shell gets a coating.
- Sprinkle the rest of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add a little extra!
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan if you’d like. Serve warm with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad for the perfect Italian feast.
Tips for Perfection
- Pick the right shells: Go for quality jumbo pasta shells that won’t break apart during cooking. Boiling them to just under al dente will make them easier to stuff without tearing.
- Adjust for your family’s preferences: For a heartier twist, mix cooked ground beef or Italian sausage into the marinara sauce.
- Experiment with greens: If you don’t have spinach on hand, you can use kale or chard. Just be sure to pre-cook and chop them finely.
- Make it ahead: You can assemble this dish up to a day in advance and refrigerate it, covered. When you’re ready to bake, just add 5-10 minutes to the baking time. This makes it a great option for meal prep or when hosting.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells strike the perfect balance between indulgent and wholesome. The creamy filling is rich in flavor without being heavy, and the tomato sauce adds just the right tang to complement the cheese. Best of all, this dish is completely customizable. Have leftovers? They reheat beautifully, making them a terrific meal for the next day.
Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to this mouthwatering baked pasta. There’s no need to rush to an Italian restaurant when you can create something this delicious right at home! Buon appetito!
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