Description
This Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells recipe features jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and sautéed spinach, baked to perfection in marinara sauce. Perfect for a comforting and crowd-pleasing Italian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12–15 jumbo pasta shells (about ½ a box)
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided into ½ cup for filling, ½ cup for topping)
- ½ 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
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Boil jumbo pasta shells in salted water according to package instructions until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, ½ cup shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and the egg. Mix well until smooth.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add chopped spinach and cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted. Stir well into the cheese mixture.
- Add Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to the ricotta and spinach mixture, mixing thoroughly.
- Set oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Fill each cooked shell with about 2 tablespoons of the ricotta-spinach filling and arrange them open side up in a single layer in the baking dish.
- Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake covered for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes to meld flavors. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh spinach for better flavor.
- Feel free to add more cheese for a cheesier dish.
- Can be made ahead and baked when ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 90mg