Description
Creamy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells are the cozy baked pasta dinner you make when you want something cheesy, comforting, and simple enough for a weeknight. This easy dinner is filled with jumbo pasta shells, creamy ricotta, spinach, marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan for a family-friendly meal that works beautifully for dinner ideas, meatless meals, pasta recipes, comfort food ideas, and easy recipe nights.
Ingredients
12 ounces jumbo pasta shells
15 ounces ricotta cheese
10 ounces fresh spinach
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
3 cups marinara sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the jumbo pasta shells in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set them aside to cool slightly.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet, add the garlic, and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the spinach and cook until wilted, then let it cool and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
5. Chop the spinach and mix it with ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
6. Spread 1 cup marinara sauce in the bottom of the baking dish.
7. Fill each shell with the spinach ricotta mixture and arrange the shells open side up in the dish.
8. Spoon the remaining marinara sauce around and lightly over the shells.
9. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella over the top.
10. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
11. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
12. Let the shells rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with parsley or basil before serving.
Notes
Squeeze the spinach very dry before mixing it into the ricotta filling. Too much moisture can make the shells watery and prevent the filling from setting properly.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: spinach and ricotta stuffed shells, stuffed shells, baked pasta, easy dinner, meatless dinner, pasta dinner, ricotta stuffed shells, comfort food