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