Description
These Easy Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells are the ultimate comfort food, combining large pasta shells stuffed with a creamy spinach and ricotta mixture, baked in marinara sauce, and topped with melty cheese. This simple recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or for serving at a family gathering, and it’s guaranteed to be a hit with both kids and adults!
Ingredients
12–16 jumbo pasta shells (about 1 box)
1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
1 1/2 cups frozen spinach, thawed and drained (or 3 cups fresh spinach, wilted and chopped)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta Shells: Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, spinach (make sure it’s well-drained if using frozen), 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until smooth and well combined.
- Stuff the Shells: Once the pasta shells have cooled enough to handle, stuff each shell with a generous spoonful of the spinach and ricotta mixture. Be sure to pack the filling in well but don’t overstuff.
- Assemble the Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells in the dish, seam-side up. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells, making sure they’re all covered with sauce.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese over the stuffed shells. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is melted. If you like a crispy top, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the stuffed shells are done, remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
Add some cooked ground beef, turkey, or sausage to the ricotta filling for extra protein and flavor.
Mix in some herbs like oregano, basil, or thyme for added seasoning.
Use a mixture of marinara sauce and Alfredo sauce for a creamy twist.
Try using a different type of cheese like fontina or provolone for a different flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 shell
- Calories: Varies depending on ingredients used
- Sugar: Varies
- Sodium: Varies
- Fat: Varies depending on cheese and ingredients used
- Saturated Fat: Varies
- Unsaturated Fat: Varies
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Varies
- Fiber: Varies
- Protein: Varies
- Cholesterol: Varies depending on cheese and egg used