Cheesy Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe You’ll Love

Creamy ricotta blends perfectly with vibrant spinach in these delectable stuffed shells that promise pure comfort.

Each shell bursts with rich, savory flavors that dance across your palate.

The combination creates a mouthwatering dish that feels both elegant and homey.

Tender pasta pockets cradle a delightful mixture of fresh ingredients.

Cheese lovers will adore how the ricotta melts into every delicious bite.

These stuffed shells bring Mediterranean-inspired goodness straight to your dinner table.

You’ll fall in love with this simple yet impressive meal that comes together effortlessly.

Prepare to savor every delectable forkful of this irresistible pasta creation.

Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells That Wow Crowds

• Quickly Customize: Adapt the recipe by adding crispy bacon bits, chives, or red pepper flakes for a personalized touch that makes the dish uniquely yours.
• Minimal Prep Magic: Requires just a few simple ingredients and basic cooking skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all experience levels who want a delicious side dish.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Creamy, cheesy potatoes create an irresistible flavor combination that appeals to both kids and adults, ideal for family dinners or potluck gatherings.
• One-Pan Wonder: Prepare the entire dish in a single skillet, minimizing cleanup and saving valuable time in the kitchen while delivering maximum flavor and satisfaction.

What Goes In Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: Large pasta shells perfect for holding the rich and creamy filling.

• Ricotta Cheese: Soft and creamy cheese that provides a smooth texture to the stuffing.
• Spinach: A nutritious green vegetable that adds color, flavor, and nutrients to the dish.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melty cheese that creates a delicious gooey texture and golden top.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, aged cheese that adds depth and saltiness to the filling.
• Egg: Helps bind the filling ingredients together and provides structure.

• Garlic, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
• Nutmeg: Optional spice that adds a warm, subtle background note to the filling.

• Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato-based sauce that adds moisture and traditional Italian flavor.
• Fresh Basil or Parsley: Optional fresh herbs that provide a bright, fresh finish to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding richness to the spinach preparation.
• Aluminum Foil: Helps cover and protect the dish during initial baking.

Stepwise Guide for Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F (190C). Get ready for some serious comfort food magic!

Step 2: Prep the Green Goodness

Tackle the spinach with confidence. If using fresh, give it a thorough wash and chop it into tiny pieces.

Frozen spinach? Let it thaw and give it a good squeeze to remove extra moisture.

Step 3: Cook Those Beautiful Shells

Bring a big pot of water to a rolling boil. Toss in some salt and drop those jumbo pasta shells in.

Cook until they’re perfectly tender but still have a little bite – that’s al dente for you!

Step 4: Drain and Set Aside

Carefully drain the shells and let them chill on the side while you work your culinary magic.

Step 5: Sauté the Flavor Boosters

Grab a skillet and pour in some olive oil. Toss in minced garlic and let it dance around until it’s wonderfully fragrant.

Step 6: Transform the Spinach

Add your prepared spinach to the skillet. For fresh spinach, cook until it wilts beautifully.

For frozen, just heat it through. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to wake up those flavors.

Step 7: Create the Creamy Filling

• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella
• Parmesan
• Egg
• Nutmeg (optional but awesome)
• Sautéed spinach mixture

Blend everything until it’s smooth and inviting.

Step 8: Build the Base

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

This will prevent sticking and add extra flavor.

Step 9: Stuff and Arrange

Carefully fill each pasta shell with the cheesy spinach mixture.

Place them seam side up in the baking dish, creating a delicious landscape of deliciousness.

Step 10: Sauce and Cheese Finale

Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells.

Sprinkle an extra handful of mozzarella on top for that irresistible golden crust.

Step 11: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the oven.

Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.

Step 12: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle some fresh basil or parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.

Serve hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Notes for Creamy Stuffed Shells Every Time

• Cook pasta shells just until al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy when baked, ensuring a perfect texture that holds the delicious filling.
• Remove excess moisture from spinach completely to prevent watery filling and maintain the ideal creamy consistency of the cheese mixture.
• Use freshly grated parmesan and mozzarella for maximum flavor and melting potential, avoiding pre-shredded cheese which contains anti-caking agents.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg to enhance the ricotta's richness and use salt sparingly since parmesan is naturally salty.
• Prepare the stuffed shells in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for a convenient make-ahead meal that saves time.

Swap Ideas for Spinach Ricotta Shell Fillings

• Vegan Veggie Shells: Replace ricotta and mozzarella with tofu and cashew cheese. Use nutritional yeast for parmesan flavor. Swap egg with ground flaxseed mixed with water.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute jumbo pasta shells with gluten-free pasta shells or zucchini boats. Ensure marinara sauce is certified gluten-free.
• Protein Power Shells: Add cooked ground turkey or chicken to the filling for extra protein. Mix lean meat with spinach and cheese mixture before stuffing shells.
• Mediterranean Herbs Upgrade: Incorporate chopped fresh oregano, thyme, and rosemary into the filling. Sprinkle za'atar seasoning on top before baking for a Middle Eastern-inspired version.

What Complements Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Choose a zesty Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the richness of the cheesy shells and complement the fresh spinach flavors.
• Enhance with Garlic Bread: Serve alongside toasted garlic bread to soak up the extra marinara sauce and add a crunchy texture that contrasts with the soft stuffed shells.
• Create a Fresh Salad Side: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the creamy pasta dish and add a bright, peppery element to the meal.
• Match with Italian Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied Chianti or Sangiovese to bring out the depth of the marinara sauce and provide a robust accompaniment to the cheesy shells.

Storing Spinach Ricotta Shells for Later Meals

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap stuffed shells tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place shells in a baking dish, add a splash of marinara sauce to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

• What type of cheese works best for this recipe?

Ricotta is the primary cheese, providing a creamy texture. Mozzarella adds meltiness, while parmesan brings a sharp, salty flavor. These three cheeses create a perfect balance in the stuffed shells.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

This recipe is already vegetarian. It contains no meat and uses cheese, spinach, and pasta as the main ingredients. Simply ensure you use vegetarian-friendly marinara sauce.

• Is this dish kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The mild cheeses and soft pasta make it appealing to children. The spinach is well-hidden in the cheese mixture, making it an excellent way to introduce vegetables to picky eaters.

Easy Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Delightful Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells bring Italian comfort directly to dinner tables with creamy ricotta and tender spinach nestled in perfectly cooked pasta shells. Cheesy, herbaceous, and simple to prepare, this classic dish promises warm satisfaction for family meals.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta:

• 12 jumbo pasta shells

Filling Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.25 teaspoons nutmeg

Sauce and Seasoning:

• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste

Garnish:

• fresh basil or parsley

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Instructions

1. Set the oven to a toasty 375F (190C), preparing for a delectable Italian-inspired casserole.
2. Prepare spinach by thoroughly washing fresh leaves and chopping finely, or thawing frozen spinach and pressing out excess moisture.
3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook jumbo pasta shells until they reach a perfect al dente texture, typically 8-10 minutes.
4. Drain the pasta shells and arrange them on a clean kitchen towel to cool and prevent sticking.
5. In a skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat and sauté minced garlic until it releases its aromatic essence.
6. Add spinach to the skillet, cooking fresh leaves until they wilt or heating frozen spinach thoroughly. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
7. Create the creamy filling by combining ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, egg, and a whisper of nutmeg with the prepared spinach mixture, stirring until smooth and well-integrated.
8. Coat the bottom of a baking dish with a generous layer of marinara sauce, creating a flavorful foundation.
9. Carefully fill each pasta shell with the rich cheese and spinach mixture, positioning them seam-side up in the sauced dish.
10. Lavish the stuffed shells with remaining marinara sauce and a sprinkle of additional mozzarella for extra indulgence.
11. Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes in the preheated oven.
12. Uncover and continue baking for 10 more minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.
13. Finish with a flourish of fresh basil or parsley before serving this comforting Italian delicacy.

Notes

• Choose jumbo shells that are intact and free from cracks to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
• Drain pasta shells thoroughly and let them cool slightly before stuffing to prevent burning your hands and ensure better filling adhesion.
• Squeeze out excess moisture from spinach completely to avoid watery filling that can make shells soggy.
• Try herbs like oregano or thyme to add depth of flavor to the cheese mixture.
• For a lighter version, swap full-fat ricotta with part-skim ricotta and reduce mozzarella quantity.
• Make the dish gluten-free by using gluten-free jumbo pasta shells available in specialty stores.
• Prepare shells in advance and refrigerate unbaked for up to 24 hours for convenient meal planning.
• Add protein by mixing cooked ground chicken or turkey into the spinach and cheese filling.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg