If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish, these Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells are the answer. Packed with creamy ricotta cheese, nutritious spinach, and topped with a rich marinara sauce, this baked pasta dish is perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
This recipe is easy to prepare yet delivers restaurant-quality results. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or new to cooking, the straightforward steps and simple ingredients ensure success every time. Plus, the baked golden cheese layer on top will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ideal for meal prep or freezing, these stuffed shells are as practical as they are delicious. Serve them with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete, satisfying meal that’s sure to become a household favorite.
Why You Will Love Making This RecipeÂ
There are so many reasons to fall in love with this recipe:
- Comfort Food at Its Best: Creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor, these stuffed shells are the ultimate comfort food.
- Nutritious and Delicious: Spinach adds a healthy twist, while ricotta makes the filling smooth and indulgent.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, this dish fits the bill.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble the shells in advance, refrigerate, and bake them when ready.
- Freezer-Friendly: Freeze individual portions for quick and easy meals on busy days.
- Customizable: Swap spinach for kale or add your favorite herbs for a personalized touch.
This recipe transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary, making it a must-have in your recipe collection.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, sautéed and chopped
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce and Shells:
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 20 jumbo pasta shells, cooked al dente
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella (for topping)
Equipment Used
- Large pot
- Medium mixing bowl
- Baking dish
- Wooden spoon
- Aluminum foil
Directions & InstructionsÂ
- Prepare the Pasta Shells:
Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions. Drain and let them cool slightly. - Make the Filling:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, sautéed spinach, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. - Stuff the Shells:
Using a spoon, fill each cooked shell with the spinach-ricotta mixture. Be generous but avoid overfilling. - Assemble the Dish:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells on top in a single layer. - Add Sauce and Cheese:
Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells, ensuring they are well-coated. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella on top. - Bake:
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Nutritional InformationÂ
Per Serving (Approx. 4 shells):
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fat: 23g
- Fiber: 4g
This dish is hearty, filling, and loaded with nutrients like calcium and iron from the cheese and spinach.
Prep Time and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Variations
- Add Meat: Include cooked ground beef, sausage, or turkey in the sauce for added protein.
- Vegetarian Twist: Add mushrooms or zucchini to the filling for extra veggies.
- Cheese Options: Substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or mascarpone for a different texture.
- Spicy: Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the marinara sauce for a kick of heat.
Frequently Asked QuestionsÂ
1. Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes! Thaw the spinach, squeeze out excess water, and use it in the filling.
2. Can I make this dish ahead?
Absolutely! Assemble the stuffed shells, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.
3. How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.
Pro Tips By Elisa
- Cook Shells Al Dente: Slightly undercook the pasta shells to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking.
- Layer Sauce Generously: Ensure each shell is covered with marinara to prevent drying out.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly grated Parmesan and high-quality ricotta elevate the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these spinach ricotta stuffed shells with a side of garlic bread and a fresh Caesar salad. Pair with a glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing meal.
Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells – Easy and Delicious Dinner Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot
- Medium mixing bowl
- Baking dish
- Wooden spoon
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients Â
For the Filling:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach sautéed and chopped
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce and Shells:
- 1 jar 24 oz marinara sauce
- 20 jumbo pasta shells cooked al dente
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella for topping
InstructionsÂ
Prepare the Pasta Shells:
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions. Drain and let them cool slightly.
Make the Filling:
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, sautéed spinach, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Stuff the Shells:
- Using a spoon, fill each cooked shell with the spinach-ricotta mixture. Be generous but avoid overfilling.
Assemble the Dish:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells on top in a single layer.
Add Sauce and Cheese:
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells, ensuring they are well-coated. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella on top.
Bake:
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.