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Creamy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Pasta Shells


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  • Author: Cheryl
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Tender pasta shells filled with creamy ricotta, fresh spinach, and savory herbs, baked in marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella for a comforting Italian dish.


Ingredients

20 jumbo pasta shells

2 cups ricotta cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

1 large egg

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups marinara sauce

1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)


Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the pasta shells in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
  3. In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, ½ cup mozzarella, ½ cup Parmesan, chopped spinach, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until creamy and evenly combined.
  4. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
  5. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the cheese and spinach mixture, then arrange them in the baking dish on top of the sauce.
  6. Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  7. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  8. Garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

You can add cooked Italian sausage or sautéed mushrooms to the filling for extra flavor.

For a vegan version, use tofu-based ricotta and vegan mozzarella.

Try different herbs like fresh oregano or thyme for flavor variation.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes or in the microwave covered to avoid drying out.

Prepare ahead by assembling and refrigerating before baking; add extra baking time if baking cold.

Freeze unbaked shells covered tightly; bake from frozen adding about 15 extra minutes.

To prevent shells from sticking, rinse cooked shells with cold water and drizzle with olive oil before stuffing.

If using frozen spinach, thaw and squeeze out excess water before mixing.

Substitute ricotta with blended cottage cheese or cream cheese mixed with sour cream if needed.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg