Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Indulge in Flavorful Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Nothing beats the comforting embrace of a cheesy, hearty pasta dish on a busy weeknight or during a cozy family gathering. My experience with Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells is filled with warmth and smiles as they truly embody the best of Italian comfort food. With jumbo pasta shells cradling a delightful mixture of creamy ricotta, fresh spinach, and melty mozzarella, this dish is not just about filling up; it’s about bringing people together. Make a batch for your next dinner, and watch as everyone reaches for seconds!

What Makes This Recipe Special

When it comes to creamy, satisfying meals that won’t break the bank, Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells shines brightly. This recipe is a delightful blend of nutrition and indulgence—packed with iron from the spinach and protein from the cheese and eggs, making it a well-balanced option for family dinners. Quick to prepare and easy to clean up, these stuffed shells are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a festive gathering.

"These stuffed shells are pure comfort! They’re a go-to in our house because they’re easy to make and so delicious—perfect for the kids, too!" – Sarah, satisfied home cook

Preparing Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Creating this crowd-pleaser is a simple step-by-step process. First, you will preheat the oven and prepare the pasta. Then, while the shells are cooking, you’ll whip up a flavorful cheese mixture. Finally, you’ll stuff the shells and let them bake until bubbly and golden. It’s an effortless way to impress guests or just treat yourself!

Gather Your Ingredients

To make these delightful Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells, here’s what you’ll need:

• 12 jumbo pasta shells
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 jar marinara sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Feel free to substitute the spinach with kale or add some herbs for extra flavor!

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instruction. Drain and set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
4. Stuff each cooked shell with the cheese mixture until generous.
5. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
6. Arrange the stuffed shells in the dish and drizzle with remaining marinara sauce over the top.
7. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. Serve hot and enjoy!

Best Way to Serve

Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells are best served warm right out of the oven. Pair them with a crisp green salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette to complement the creaminess. A side of crusty garlic bread will round out the meal beautifully—perfect for sopping up the leftover marinara sauce!

Storage Tips

To ensure your Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells remain fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to freeze them, do so before baking; simply wrap them tightly and store in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Pro Chef Tips

• For an extra layer of flavor, sauté the spinach before adding it to the cheese mixture—this truly enhances its taste.
• Consider using a mix of cheeses, like adding some feta or goat cheese for a tangy twist.
• If you love a little kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the marinara sauce.

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Here are a few variations to try with your Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells:

• Swap the marinara sauce for Alfredo or pesto for a different flavor profile.
• Add cooked ground meat or Italian sausage to the cheese mixture for a meatier option.
• For a Mediterranean flair, incorporate sun-dried tomatoes into the filling.

Your Questions Answered

How long will this dish take to prepare?
From start to finish, you can expect about 50 minutes, including preparation and baking time.

Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match your favorite cheeses for a unique twist.

How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the microwave or cover with foil and warm in the oven. Add a splash of water or extra sauce to keep them moist.

Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells is not only a delightful dish but also a versatile one. Enjoy creating this meal, and the joy it brings to your table!

Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

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• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delightful Jumbo pasta shells stuffed with a creamy mixture of ricotta, fresh spinach, and mozzarella, baked in marinara sauce.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 jumbo pasta shells
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 jar marinara sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
4. Stuff each cooked shell with the cheese mixture until generous.
5. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
6. Arrange the stuffed shells in the dish and drizzle with remaining marinara sauce over the top.
7. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Best served warm with a side of salad and garlic bread. Can substitute spinach with kale or add other herbs.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: spinach, ricotta, stuffed shells, pasta, Italian comfort food