Stuffed Shells
Ingredients
- 12 ounce jumbo pasta shells
dry
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 4 ounce Parmesan cheese
grated
- 1 cup frozen chopped spinach
thawed
- 1 egg
- or to taste½ teaspoon salt
- or to taste½ teaspoon pepper
- 24 ounce marinara sauce
1 jar
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese
shredded
- fresh basil
chopped, for garnish
Directions
- 1
Prep the pasta: Preheat the oven to 400℉. Add the shells to a large pot of well salted boiling water and cook according to package instructions until they're al dente. Make sure to stir the shells often and keep an eye on them as they may stick together. Rinse well with cold water in the strainer.
- 2
Make the filling: Squeeze out as much excess water from the spinach as you can. Mix the ricotta, parmesan, spinach, egg, salt and pepper in a bowl. Scoop it into a large freezer bag or piping bag. Snip the tip of the piping bag or corner of the freezer bag to a 1" diameter.
- 3
Assemble the shells: Pour half the marinara in a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish. Pipe each shell with about 2 tablespoons of the cheese and spinach mixture and place in the casserole dish over the sauce. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells and top with mozzarella. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until bubbly, then broil for 2-5 minutes or until the cheese browns.
- 4
Finish the dish: Garnish with fresh basil and freshly cracked pepper.
Stuffed Shells
Similar Recipes
Ratings & Reviews
Be the First to Rate
Your rating helps others discover amazing recipes. Share your experience and let others know what you think!
About this Recipe
Craving a comforting, cheesy pasta dish that's both easy enough for a weeknight and impressive for guests? These Stuffed Shells are your answer, delivering rich flavors and satisfying textures in every bite.
Why These Stuffed Shells Work
What makes these Stuffed Shells truly special is the harmonious blend of creamy ricotta, savory Parmesan, and tender spinach packed into each jumbo shell. This combination creates a deeply satisfying filling that complements the vibrant marinara sauce and melty mozzarella, making for a truly irresistible meal that everyone will love.
What to Expect
You can expect a dish that is wonderfully saucy, deeply cheesy, and incredibly comforting. Each jumbo pasta shell cradles a generous portion of the creamy, herbaceous ricotta and spinach filling, all blanketed in a rich marinara and topped with bubbly, melted mozzarella. The textures are a delightful interplay of soft pasta, creamy filling, and gooey cheese, ensuring a deeply satisfying experience. This recipe is designed to be straightforward, yielding a dish that tastes like it took all day to make but comes together with ease.
Customization & Variations
While this recipe is perfect as is, you can easily adapt it to your taste:
- For an added protein boost, consider stirring in cooked ground beef or Italian sausage into the ricotta mixture.
- To make it a heartier vegetarian meal, try adding finely chopped sautéed mushrooms or zucchini to the spinach filling.
- You could also experiment with different cheeses, like an asiago or provolone, for a nuanced flavor profile.
These classic Stuffed Shells are ideal for a cozy family dinner, a relaxed potluck, or even a comforting meal prep option for busy weeks. Serve them warm, garnished with fresh basil for a vibrant burst of color and aroma, perhaps alongside a simple green salad and crusty bread to soak up every last drop of sauce.