Description
Savory Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Jumbo Shells deliver a comforting Italian-inspired pasta experience with creamy cheese and herb-infused filling. Pasta lovers will delight in this easy-to-prepare, crowd-pleasing dish that brings warmth and flavor to any dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Main Ingredients:
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 15 ounces (425 grams) ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables and Herbs:
- 5 ounces (142 grams) fresh spinach
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to a toasty 375F (190C), preparing for a delectable pasta adventure.
- Submerge jumbo pasta shells in a generously salted boiling water bath, cooking until they reach perfect al dente tenderness. Gently stir to prevent them from clinging together.
- Rescue the shells from the hot water, immediately cooling them under a refreshing cold water stream to halt the cooking process. Set aside to drain.
- In a spacious skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat, creating a welcoming environment for fresh spinach.
- Introduce spinach to the heated pan, allowing it to wilt and transform into a vibrant green landscape, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Carefully remove the skillet from heat, letting the spinach cool momentarily before finely chopping into delicate pieces.
- Merge the chopped spinach with ricotta, egg, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a generous mixing bowl. Blend thoroughly until a harmonious mixture emerges.
- Create a luscious foundation by spreading marinara sauce across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking vessel.
- Lovingly stuff each cooked shell with the spinach-ricotta blend, ensuring a generous filling.
- Artfully arrange the stuffed shells in a single, elegant layer within the sauced baking dish.
- Cascade the remaining marinara sauce over the shells, embracing them completely.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese, creating a tantalizing cheesy crown.
- Shield the dish with aluminum foil and slide into the preheated oven, baking for 20 minutes.
- Unveil the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden masterpiece.
- Extract from the oven and allow a brief 5-minute rest to settle the flavors.
- Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley, adding a final touch of aromatic elegance before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a richer, more authentic flavor that melts beautifully into the filling.
- Drain spinach thoroughly by squeezing out excess moisture to prevent watery filling and ensure a perfect texture.
- Experiment with alternative cheeses like fontina or goat cheese to create unique flavor variations for adventurous palates.
- Make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free jumbo pasta shells and checking marinara sauce ingredients for hidden gluten sources.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg