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Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe

Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe: Easy Comfort Food Delight

Delicious spinach and ricotta stuffed shells recipe perfect for a comforting dinner, highlighting the essence of Italian cuisine.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 336 kcal

Equipment

  • skillet
  • Baking dish

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese divided
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cups fresh spinach roughly chopped or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Cook the pasta shells

  • Begin by cooking the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions. Boil them in salted water until they are al dente, which typically takes around 8–10 minutes.
  • Drain the shells and set them aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Make the filling

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, ½ cup of shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and the egg. Mix until the ingredients are well incorporated.
  • Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Toss in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2–3 minutes.
  • Stir well to combine, and season the filling with Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.

Stuff the shells

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  • Take each cooked shell and fill it with about 2 tablespoons of the ricotta-spinach mixture.
  • Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer in the baking dish, open side up.
  • Once all the shells are stuffed and in the dish, spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the top.
  • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
  • Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Notes

Choose full-fat ricotta for creaminess, avoid overstuffing the shells, and customize the filling with additional ingredients as desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1dishCalories: 336kcalCarbohydrates: 17.7gProtein: 17.2gFat: 21.9gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 9.9gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 909mgFiber: 2.6gSugar: 8g
Keyword comfort food, Easy Recipe, Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells, Vegetarian
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