Description
Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells are the perfect comfort food. A blend of creamy ricotta, fresh spinach, and melted mozzarella, stuffed into jumbo pasta shells and baked in a rich marinara sauce. This dish is easy to prepare and ideal for a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 32 oz bag frozen jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or 1 1/2 cups frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg (optional, for binding)
- 1 jar marinara sauce (about 24 oz)
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pan, sauté the garlic and spinach until the spinach is wilted (about 3 minutes). If using frozen spinach, make sure to drain and squeeze out the excess moisture.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, spinach, egg (if using), basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the ricotta-spinach mixture and place them in a baking dish.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the dish. Arrange the stuffed shells in the dish and cover with the remaining marinara sauce.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let the shells rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute the ricotta with tofu-based ricotta and use vegan cheese.
- Make sure to drain the spinach well if using frozen spinach to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
- This recipe can be prepared ahead of time. Assemble the stuffed shells and refrigerate overnight. Bake the next day, adding extra baking time if needed.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 2 stuffed shells)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg