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Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

This Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells recipe is a delightful Italian dish perfect for a family dinner. The large pasta shells are filled with a creamy mixture of ricotta cheese, fresh spinach, and herbs, then baked in marinara sauce and topped with cheese. It's a comforting meal that is both satisfying and easy to prepare.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 People
Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large pot
  • 1 baking dish (9x13 inches)
  • 1 mixing bowl
  • 1 spoon or spatula
  • 1 measuring cups and spoons
  • 1 aluminum foil
  • 1 oven

Ingredients
  

  • 12 jumbo pasta shells jumbo pasta shells
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped Approximately 2 cups raw
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for greasing olive oil olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.
  • Carefully stuff each cooked pasta shell with the cheese and spinach mixture using a spoon.
  • Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
  • Place the stuffed shells in the baking dish, seam side up, in a single layer. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells.
  • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
  • After 20 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle any additional mozzarella cheese on top. Bake uncovered for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

You can add herbs like basil or parsley to the filling for extra flavor.
If you prefer, you can substitute the spinach with other greens like kale or Swiss chard.
These shells can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake.