Stuffed Shells with Spinach & Ricotta: A Delicious, Easy-to-Make Italian Classic
Stuffed Jumbo Pasta Shells with Spinach and Ricotta is a comforting, cheesy dish that brings the flavors of Italy to your dinner table. Jumbo pasta shells are generously filled with a creamy ricotta and spinach mixture, topped with marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, then baked to perfection. This hearty and flavorful dish is ideal for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Before diving into the preparation process, here’s a quick rundown of the ingredients you'll need to make stuffed shells with spinach and ricotta:
- Jumbo pasta shells: These large pasta shells are ideal for stuffing with ricotta and spinach. You can find them in most grocery stores in the pasta section.
- Ricotta cheese: Ricotta brings a creamy slightly sweet flavor to the dish, balancing the savory spinach and marinara sauce.
- Spinach: Fresh spinach works best but you can also use frozen spinach (make sure to drain it thoroughly before use).
- Mozzarella cheese: Shredded mozzarella is perfect for topping the dish giving it a cheesy, golden finish.
- Parmesan cheese: A generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds depth and sharpness to the overall flavor.
- Marinara sauce: This tomato-based sauce brings a tangy and savory element that perfectly complements the creamy filling of the shells.
- Garlic and onion: These aromatics bring an extra layer of flavor to the dish.
- Egg: An egg helps bind the ricotta mixture together.
- Herbs: Italian seasoning basil, and oregano provide that unmistakable Italian taste.
- Olive oil: A little bit of olive oil for sautéing the spinach and garlic.
Instructions
How to Make Stuffed Shells with Spinach & Ricotta
Follow these simple steps to make your stuffed shells with spinach and ricotta:
Cook the Jumbo Shells
- Begin by cooking the jumbo shells according to the package instructions. Be sure to cook them al dente, as they will cook further in the oven. Once cooked, drain the shells and lay them out on a parchment-lined tray to prevent them from sticking together.
Prepare the Spinach Filling
- In a large pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped garlic and diced onion, cooking until softened and fragrant. Add the fresh spinach (or thawed and drained frozen spinach) and cook until wilted and any excess moisture is evaporated. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Mix the Ricotta Filling
- In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, the cooked spinach mixture, an egg, a handful of shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Stuff the Shells
- Carefully spoon the ricotta and spinach mixture into each cooked shell. Make sure to stuff them generously but don’t overfill them. Arrange the stuffed shells in a baking dish that has been lightly greased or coated with a layer of marinara sauce.
Top with Sauce and Cheese
- Pour marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are covered. Then, sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Finish with a sprinkling of grated Parmesan for added flavor and a golden crust.
Bake to Perfection
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve and Enjoy
- Once the stuffed shells are baked to perfection, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve these stuffed shells with a side of garlic bread and a green salad for a complete, satisfying meal.
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Comfort Food at Its Best
Stuffed shells with spinach and ricotta is the ultimate comfort food. It’s warm, cheesy, and bursting with flavor. The spinach adds a healthy touch while the ricotta brings creaminess, making this dish a delicious balance of indulgence and nutrition. Perfect for Meal Prep
This dish is excellent for meal prep. You can prepare it ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and bake it later in the day or the next day. It also freezes well, so you can make a double batch and store some for later. Customizable to Your Preferences
Feel free to tweak this recipe based on your preferences. You can add ground turkey or beef to the spinach filling for extra protein or swap out the ricotta for cottage cheese if you prefer a different texture. You can also experiment with different sauces, such as pesto or Alfredo, for a unique twist.
Stuffed shells with spinach and ricotta is the ultimate comfort food. It’s warm, cheesy, and bursting with flavor. The spinach adds a healthy touch while the ricotta brings creaminess, making this dish a delicious balance of indulgence and nutrition. Perfect for Meal Prep
This dish is excellent for meal prep. You can prepare it ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and bake it later in the day or the next day. It also freezes well, so you can make a double batch and store some for later. Customizable to Your Preferences
Feel free to tweak this recipe based on your preferences. You can add ground turkey or beef to the spinach filling for extra protein or swap out the ricotta for cottage cheese if you prefer a different texture. You can also experiment with different sauces, such as pesto or Alfredo, for a unique twist.