Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells

These Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells are the perfect balance of creamy ricotta, savory spinach, and rich marinara sauce, all nestled within tender jumbo pasta shells. The blend of mozzarella and parmesan on top creates a golden, bubbly finish that is hard to resist.

Ideal for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this dish is both comforting and filling. Each bite brings the fresh flavors of garlic, spinach, and Italian cheeses, creating a meal that’s as delicious as it is easy to make. Serve with a fresh side salad or warm garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired experience.

Full Recipe:

  • 12 jumbo pasta shells
  • 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (plus extra for topping)
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (or ½ cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). If using fresh spinach, wash and chop it finely. For frozen spinach, thaw and squeeze out excess water.
  2. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the jumbo pasta shells until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant, then add spinach and cook until wilted (if fresh) or heated through (if frozen). Season with salt and pepper.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, egg, nutmeg (optional), and the sautéed spinach mixture. Mix well.
  5. Spread a layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of a baking dish.
  6. Stuff each pasta shell with the cheese and spinach mixture, placing them seam-side up in the dish. Pour remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle extra mozzarella on top.
  7. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  8. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes

Kcal: 465 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells: A Comforting, Crowd-Pleasing Italian Favorite

The Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells recipe is a classic in Italian-inspired home cooking, cherished for its creamy filling, hearty pasta shells, and rich marinara sauce. This dish captures the essence of traditional Italian comfort food, bringing together fresh ingredients and time-honored flavors to create a meal that is both elegant and approachable. It’s a vegetarian favorite that can stand on its own as a main course, yet it’s versatile enough to serve alongside salads, garlic bread, or even a light soup.

The Heart of the Recipe: Creamy Ricotta and Spinach Filling

At the center of this recipe is the delightful filling made from ricotta cheese, spinach, and a blend of seasonings. Ricotta is the perfect base for stuffed shell recipes due to its mild, creamy flavor and smooth texture, which pairs seamlessly with spinach. The spinach, whether fresh or frozen, adds vibrant color and a subtle earthiness that balances the richness of the cheeses. Together, they create a filling that’s flavorful without being overly heavy, making it ideal for layering in pasta dishes.

Mozzarella and parmesan cheeses are added to complement the ricotta with a gooey, melty texture from mozzarella and a hint of nuttiness from parmesan. These cheeses not only enhance the flavor but also provide structure, helping the filling hold its shape as it bakes. A touch of garlic and nutmeg rounds out the filling, infusing it with warmth and depth that elevates the entire dish. Nutmeg, though used sparingly, brings an unexpected but delightful hint of spice that subtly enhances the spinach and cheese blend.

Jumbo Pasta Shells: The Perfect Vessel

Jumbo pasta shells are ideal for stuffed dishes, as their shape naturally cradles the filling, ensuring each shell holds a generous portion of the ricotta mixture. When baked, the edges of the shells develop a tender bite, while the filling remains creamy and rich. The shells’ texture contrasts beautifully with the smooth, cheesy filling, creating a satisfying experience with every forkful.

One of the joys of using jumbo shells is that they’re relatively easy to handle when filling. Unlike lasagna or manicotti, which can sometimes require careful layering or rolling, jumbo shells are straightforward. A simple spoon or piping bag can be used to load them with the spinach and ricotta mixture, making the preparation process as enjoyable as the end result.

The Sauce: A Luscious Marinara Base

Marinara sauce is the ultimate complement to the spinach and ricotta-stuffed shells. Its bright acidity and tanginess balance the creamy filling, providing a counterpoint to the richness of the cheeses. A high-quality marinara sauce is recommended for this dish, as the sauce’s flavor will be prominent. For those who enjoy a little extra depth, a homemade marinara made from ripe tomatoes, garlic, onions, and a splash of red wine can add even more complexity.

Adding a layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of the baking dish serves two purposes. First, it prevents the shells from sticking to the dish as they bake, allowing for easy serving. Second, it adds moisture to the dish, helping the shells stay tender and preventing the filling from drying out. When the remaining sauce is poured over the shells, it bakes into the dish, infusing each bite with the classic taste of tomatoes, herbs, and a hint of garlic.

Tips for Success and Variations

For those looking to customize this dish, there are many variations that can cater to different tastes or dietary preferences. For a bit of added heat, red pepper flakes can be sprinkled into the cheese filling or over the top before baking. Alternatively, for a milder twist, fresh herbs like basil or parsley can be incorporated directly into the ricotta mixture or used as a garnish.

1. Perfectly Cooked Pasta:
The jumbo pasta shells should be cooked just until al dente, meaning they are tender but still firm to the bite. Overcooking the shells can make them too soft, causing them to tear when stuffed or become overly mushy after baking. A quick rinse in cold water after cooking can help stop the cooking process and make them easier to handle while filling.

2. Well-Drained Spinach:
Whether using fresh or frozen spinach, excess water should be removed to prevent the filling from becoming watery. Sautéing fresh spinach in olive oil with garlic allows the flavors to meld, and if using frozen spinach, ensure it is thawed and squeezed dry before incorporating it into the filling.

3. Layering for Even Baking:
The key to an evenly baked dish is to cover it with foil for most of the baking time. This traps heat and moisture, ensuring the filling remains creamy while allowing the cheese topping to melt gradually. Removing the foil in the final few minutes of baking gives the top layer of mozzarella cheese a chance to bubble and turn golden, adding a beautiful, appetizing finish to the dish.

Serving Suggestions and Meal Pairing Ideas

Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells are versatile in terms of pairing, and they work well with a variety of side dishes. A light, crisp salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a balsamic vinaigrette complements the creamy shells, adding freshness and crunch to the meal. For a heartier pairing, garlic bread or focaccia can be served alongside to help soak up the marinara sauce.

This dish also pairs wonderfully with a glass of Italian red wine, such as Chianti or Sangiovese, which have the acidity to cut through the richness of the cheese and bring out the flavors of the tomatoes and herbs.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

One of the best things about Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells is that they can be made ahead of time and stored for easy weeknight dinners or gatherings. For meal-prepping, the shells can be assembled and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap, then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if necessary to ensure they’re heated through.

If you’d like to freeze the dish, assemble the shells and arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as usual. This make-ahead option is perfect for busy families, allowing for a delicious, homemade meal without the last-minute rush.

Conclusion

Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells is a timeless recipe that brings together the warmth of Italian cuisine with the comfort of home cooking. Its creamy ricotta and spinach filling, paired with a savory marinara sauce, offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures that’s sure to impress both family and friends. From the cheesy topping to the hearty pasta shells, every element contributes to a satisfying dish that appeals to both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

Whether you’re preparing it for a casual family dinner, a special gathering, or as part of your weekly meal prep, this dish is versatile and easy to adapt. With its vibrant flavors, beautiful presentation, and cozy appeal, Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells have all the makings of a favorite recipe that will be enjoyed time and time again.

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