Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Ingredients
- 12-14 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion
diced
- 2 cloves garlic
minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
grated
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
- basil for serving
if desired
- extra parmesan cheese for serving
if desired
Directions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Cook pasta until al dente according to package directions.
- 2
Heat oil in a large skillet. Add onion and cook until tender about 3-4 minutes. Add in garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- 3
Add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- 4
Transfer the spinach mixture to a large bowl and add in ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
- 5
Spread about 1/2 of the sauce in the bottom of a 8 x8 or 9 x 9 baking dish.
- 6
Stuff shells with the spinach cheese mixture and place in the baking dish.
- 7
Top with the remaining sauce and bake for 20-30 minutes or until warmed through.
- 8
Serve immediately with basil and parmesan cheese, if desired.
Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
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Based on 32 ratings
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About this Recipe
Craving a comforting, cheesy pasta dish that feels gourmet but is surprisingly simple to make? These Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells deliver big on flavor and satisfaction, perfect for a cozy family dinner or a delightful meal with friends.
What makes this recipe truly special is the harmonious blend of three distinct cheeses—creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and salty Parmesan—all tucked into tender jumbo pasta shells. The fresh spinach adds a welcome lightness and vibrant color, balancing the richness of the cheese filling. It's a classic for a reason, offering that perfect mouthful of cheesy, savory goodness with every bite.
Prepare for a hearty and incredibly flavorful experience. You'll bite into perfectly cooked jumbo pasta shells, yielding to a luxuriously creamy and cheesy interior. The fresh spinach, sautéed with aromatic onion and garlic, infuses the ricotta filling with earthy notes, beautifully complemented by the bright, savory marinara sauce. This dish feels indulgent yet is surprisingly straightforward to assemble, making it an ideal choice when you desire a deeply satisfying meal that tastes like it took all day to prepare.
Customization & Variations
One of the best parts about stuffed shells is their versatility. Here are a few ways to make this dish your own:
- Greens Swap: If you don't have fresh spinach, you can use frozen spinach; just be sure to thaw it and squeeze out as much excess water as possible before adding to the filling.
- Cheese Play: Feel free to adjust the ratio of mozzarella and Parmesan to your liking for more stringy cheese pull or a sharper flavor profile.
- Heartier Option: For a meatier dish, consider browning some ground beef or Italian sausage with the onion and garlic, then mixing it into the ricotta filling before stuffing the shells.
Serve these delectable stuffed shells as a comforting main course, perhaps alongside a crisp green salad and some crusty bread to sop up every last drop of the marinara sauce. A sprinkle of fresh basil and extra grated Parmesan cheese just before serving adds a final touch of elegance and flavor.