The Perfect Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe For Dinner

Crafting delectable spinach & ricotta stuffed shells brings pure culinary magic right to your kitchen.

Pasta lovers adore this classic Italian-inspired comfort dish that feels like a warm embrace.

Soft ricotta blends seamlessly with vibrant green spinach, creating a filling that sings with flavor.

Each shell cradles a creamy mixture promising satisfaction in every single bite.

Cheesy goodness awaits you, tempting taste buds with its irresistible combination of textures.

Weeknight dinners or special gatherings deserve this simple yet impressive meal that everyone will devour.

You cannot resist diving into this mouthwatering recipe that transforms humble ingredients into something extraordinary.

Why Easy Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells Are A Comfort Classic

• Customize with Ease: Switch up ingredients based on what's in your fridge – use different cheeses, swap spinach for kale, or add protein like ground chicken for extra variety.
• Meal Prep Champion: Prepare the shells ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when ready – perfect for busy weeknights or planning ahead for gatherings with friends and family.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: A universally loved recipe that satisfies both kids and adults, with gooey cheese, tender pasta, and nutritious spinach hidden inside for a sneaky veggie boost.

What Goes Into Easy Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: Large pasta shells perfect for stuffing with delicious fillings.
• Spinach: A nutritious green vegetable that adds flavor and color to the dish.
• Ricotta Cheese: A creamy Italian cheese that provides a smooth and rich texture to the filling.
• Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato-based sauce that adds moisture and traditional Italian flavor.

• Mozzarella Cheese: A melty cheese that creates a golden, gooey topping.
• Parmesan Cheese: A hard cheese that adds a sharp and savory note to the filling.
• Egg: Helps bind the filling ingredients together and provides structure.

• Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to the spinach mixture.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Nutmeg: An optional spice that provides a warm and subtle depth to the filling.
• Fresh Basil or Parsley: A fresh herb for garnishing and adding a bright finishing touch.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the garlic and spinach.
• Aluminum Foil: Helps cover the dish during initial baking to prevent excessive browning.

How To Make Easy Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells Step By Step

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F so it’s ready for the delicious shells you’re about to create.

Step 2: Prep The Spinach

• Fresh spinach: Wash thoroughly and chop into tiny pieces
• Frozen spinach: Thaw completely and squeeze out extra moisture

Step 3: Cook Pasta Shells

Boil a pot of salted water and cook jumbo pasta shells until they’re perfectly tender. Drain and let them cool down slightly.

Step 4: Sauté Fragrant Garlic

Drizzle olive oil in a skillet and dance those minced garlic pieces around until they release their irresistible aroma.

Step 5: Transform The Spinach

• Fresh spinach: Wilt until soft
• Frozen spinach: Heat thoroughly

Season with a pinch of salt and pepper for extra flavor.

Step 6: Create Creamy Cheese Mixture

• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Egg
• Nutmeg (optional)
• Cooked spinach

Blend everything until smooth and well-mixed.

Step 7: Build The Base

Spread a generous layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of your baking dish.

Step 8: Stuff Those Shells

Carefully fill each pasta shell with the cheesy spinach mixture. Arrange them seam-side up in the sauce-covered dish.

Step 9: Add Final Touches

Pour remaining marinara sauce over the shells and sprinkle extra mozzarella on top.

Step 10: Bake To Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.

Step 11: Final Golden Moment

Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese turns bubbly and golden brown.

Step 12: Serve And Enjoy

Garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve piping hot alongside garlic bread or a crisp green salad.

Helpful Tips For Easy Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells

• Select Fresh Ingredients: Choose high-quality ricotta and spinach for the best flavor and texture in your stuffed shells.
• Drain Spinach Thoroughly: Remove excess moisture from spinach to prevent watery filling and ensure a perfect consistency.
• Prevent Shell Sticking: Toss cooked shells with a little olive oil to keep them from clumping together during stuffing.
• Boost Flavor Profile: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like oregano to elevate the overall taste of the dish.
• Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare the stuffed shells in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

Tasty Twists On Easy Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells

• Vegan Spinach Stuffed Shells: Replace ricotta with tofu, mozzarella with vegan cheese, and egg with ground flaxseed mixed with water. Use nutritional yeast for extra cheesy flavor.
• Gluten-Free Shell Alternative: Swap jumbo pasta shells with gluten-free large pasta shells or use zucchini boats as a low-carb replacement. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
• Mediterranean-Style Shells: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and swap marinara with roasted red pepper sauce. Mix feta cheese into the filling for a tangy Mediterranean profile.
• Protein-Packed Version: Incorporate cooked ground turkey or plant-based crumbles into the spinach mixture. Boost protein content by adding quinoa or lentils to the filling for extra nutrition.

What Matches Easy Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells Best

• Crisp White Wine Match: Select a zesty Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the creamy ricotta and cut through the rich cheese, enhancing the spinach's earthy notes.
• Fresh Green Salad Companion: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a peppery, bright contrast against the stuffed shells' warm, cheesy texture.
• Rustic Garlic Bread Sidekick: Serve crusty, herb-infused garlic bread to soak up extra marinara sauce and add a crunchy texture that balances the soft pasta shells.

Storing Easy Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells Made Simple

• Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain shell integrity.
• Wrap individual or entire batch of shells tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label container with date for easy tracking.
• Place shells on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat at 50% power for 2-3 minutes, checking midway to ensure even warming. Add splash of marinara sauce to prevent drying.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place shells in baking dish, cover with foil. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

FAQs About Easy Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells

• Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or swap mozzarella for provolone. Just ensure the cheese has similar melting and moisture properties.

• Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?

Absolutely! This spinach and ricotta stuffed shells recipe is completely vegetarian and packed with protein from the cheeses and nutrients from the spinach.

• How difficult is this recipe for beginners?

This recipe is beginner-friendly. The steps are straightforward, and the technique of stuffing shells is simple. Even novice cooks can successfully prepare this dish with some patience.

Easy Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe

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4.5 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells merge Italian comfort with creamy, herbaceous flavors that dance across your palate. Cheesy pasta pockets packed with fresh ingredients promise a delightful dinner experience you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 12 jumbo pasta shells
• 1½ cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup fresh spinach (chopped)
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)

Cheese and Dairy:

• ½ cup parmesan cheese (grated)
• 1 large egg

Seasonings and Extras:

• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375°F, preparing a baking environment for the delicate pasta shells.
2. Transform fresh spinach into finely chopped pieces or thoroughly drain thawed frozen spinach, ensuring minimal moisture.
3. Immerse jumbo pasta shells in rapidly boiling, salted water, cooking until they reach a tender al dente consistency.
4. Allow shells to cool slightly after draining, creating a comfortable temperature for handling.
5. Activate olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, introducing minced garlic and releasing its aromatic essence.
6. Incorporate spinach into the skillet, wilting fresh leaves or heating frozen spinach thoroughly. Season with salt and pepper to enhance flavor profiles.
7. Blend ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, egg, and optional nutmeg with the prepared spinach mixture, creating a harmonious filling.
8. Establish a foundational layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of the baking dish.
9. Gently cradle the cheese and spinach mixture into each pasta shell, positioning them upright in the sauced baking vessel.
10. Cascade remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, then generously crown with additional mozzarella cheese.
11. Shield the dish with aluminum foil, then bake for 25 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and ingredients to heat uniformly.
12. Unveil the foil and continue baking for 10 more minutes, transforming the cheese into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.
13. Elevate the presentation by scattering fresh basil or parsley atop the shells, then serve alongside crusty garlic bread or a crisp green salad.

Notes

• Prevent soggy shells by not overcooking pasta, aim for al dente texture with slight firmness for better stuffing and holding shape.
• Drain spinach thoroughly to avoid watery filling, using cheesecloth or clean kitchen towel to squeeze out maximum moisture for creamy consistency.
• Enhance flavor by adding red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like thyme to cheese mixture for extra depth and personalized taste profile.
• Make vegetarian recipe vegan by substituting ricotta with cashew cheese and using nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for similar creamy, tangy sensation.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 335 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg