Quick & Creamy Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe

Shells bursting with creamy spinach and ricotta promise a delightful culinary adventure.

Pasta lovers will swoon over this comforting Italian-inspired dish.

Soft pasta pockets cradle a luscious green and cheese filling that melts in your mouth.

Each shell becomes a miniature package of pure deliciousness.

Layers of flavor dance across your palate with every single bite.

Simple ingredients combine to create something truly magical in your kitchen.

Let’s make something extraordinary that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Reasons to Try These Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Tonight

Quick Family Dinner Savior: Whip up this delightful spinach and ricotta stuffed shells recipe in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknight meals that satisfy everyone’s hunger.

Effortless Cooking Experience: No advanced culinary skills needed – even beginner cooks can confidently prepare this recipe with simple steps and readily available ingredients.

Nutritious Comfort Food: Packed with protein-rich ricotta, nutrient-dense spinach, and delicious cheese, this dish offers a balanced and wholesome meal that feels indulgent yet healthy.

Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Adaptable for vegetarians, kid-friendly, and great for make-ahead meal prep, these stuffed shells work wonderfully for casual family dinners or casual entertaining.

Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells Ingredients

• Pasta Shells: Large pasta shells perfect for stuffing, ensure they are al dente and not overcooked.

• Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato-based sauce that adds moisture and traditional Italian flavor.
• Ricotta Cheese: Soft, creamy cheese that creates a smooth, rich filling.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, providing stretchy and gooey texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty flavor and enhances overall cheese profile.

• Spinach: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutrition and earthy flavor to the filling.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides depth and traditional Italian taste.
• Egg: Helps bind the cheese and spinach filling together.
• Italian Seasoning: Herb blend that brings classic Mediterranean taste.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing overall flavor.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing garlic and spinach, adds subtle richness.
• Fresh Basil (Optional): Provides bright, fresh garnish for serving.

Stuffed Shells Oven Prep

Step 1: Boil Pasta Shells

Cook pasta shells in salted boiling water following package instructions until perfectly tender.

Drain carefully and spread shells on a baking sheet to prevent sticking and allow cooling.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Filling

• Olive oil
• Minced garlic

Heat olive oil in skillet and cook garlic until aromatic.

Add spinach and cook until wilted, stirring occasionally.

Let spinach cool slightly, then remove excess moisture by gently squeezing.

• Cooked spinach
• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Egg
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix ingredients thoroughly until well incorporated.

Step 3: Prepare Baking Dish

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Spread marinara sauce across bottom of 9×13-inch baking dish.

Generously fill each pasta shell with spinach and ricotta mixture, arranging carefully in prepared baking dish.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pour remaining marinara sauce over stuffed shells, ensuring complete coverage.

Sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese on top.

Cover dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.

Remove foil and continue baking for 10 more minutes until cheese melts and becomes golden and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Allow stuffed shells to rest for 5 minutes after removing from oven.

Optional: Garnish with fresh basil leaves or extra Parmesan cheese before serving.

Enjoy your delightful meal!

Stuffed Shell Prep for Spinach and Ricotta

• Spread cooked shells on a baking sheet immediately after draining to stop them from clumping together and becoming difficult to fill.
• Remove excess moisture from cooked spinach by gently pressing it with paper towels or a clean kitchen cloth to ensure a firm, non-watery filling.
• Let ricotta sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before mixing to create a smoother, more easily spreadable filling consistency.
• Prepare stuffed shells in advance and refrigerate, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking to save time on busy cooking days.
• Swap regular cheese for dairy-free alternatives and use gluten-free pasta shells to accommodate various dietary restrictions without compromising flavor.

Stuffed Shells Storage Help

• Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
• Wrap individual portions or the entire dish in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove shells from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, preventing moisture loss.
• Place individual shells on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.

What to Pair With Stuffed Shells

• Pair Perfectly with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or pinot grigio to complement the creamy ricotta and cut through the rich spinach filling, creating a balanced flavor profile.
• Create a Fresh Side Salad: Toss together arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a light lemon vinaigrette to add brightness and contrast to the hearty stuffed shells.
• Match with Crusty Garlic Bread: Serve warm, toasted Italian bread rubbed with garlic and olive oil to soak up the marinara sauce and provide a delightful textural contrast.
• Enhance with Light Red Option: Choose a young, fruity red like beaujolais or pinot noir that won't overpower the delicate spinach and cheese flavors, offering a gentle wine accompaniment.

Easy Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells Pasta Twists

• Gluten-Free Shell Swap: Replace traditional pasta shells with gluten-free jumbo pasta shells or use zucchini boats as a low-carb alternative.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Substitute ricotta with cashew cheese or tofu-based ricotta, and use dairy-free mozzarella and Parmesan alternatives.
• Vegan Veggie Version: Eliminate egg and cheese, replace with silken tofu, nutritional yeast, and plant-based cheese substitutes for a complete vegan option.
• Protein-Packed Modification: Add cooked ground turkey or lentils to the spinach mixture for extra protein and nutritional value.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen spinach works perfectly. Just thaw and drain it thoroughly to remove excess moisture before mixing with the ricotta.

• How do I prevent the shells from tearing while stuffing?

Cook the shells just until al dente and handle them gently. Let them cool slightly before stuffing to make them more manageable and less likely to tear.

• Is there a substitute for ricotta cheese?

You can use cottage cheese or mascarpone as alternatives. They’ll provide a similar creamy texture and blend well with the spinach.

• Can I make this dish vegetarian-friendly?

The recipe is already vegetarian. Just ensure you use vegetarian-friendly cheeses and marinara sauce to keep it completely meat-free.

Easy Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe

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4.9 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Pasta perfection meets Italian comfort in these spinach & ricotta stuffed shells, promising a delightful culinary journey through rich, creamy flavors. Simple ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a hearty meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 20 jumbo pasta shells
• 15 ounces (425 grams) ricotta cheese
• 1 (10 ounces/285 grams) package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups marinara sauce

Cheese and Binding Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg

Seasoning and Flavor Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Carefully prepare pasta shells according to package instructions, ensuring they remain firm and intact. Allow shells to cool on a flat surface, preventing them from sticking together.
2. Create a flavor base by gently sautéing minced garlic in olive oil until aromatic. Introduce fresh spinach and cook until wilted, removing excess moisture through gentle pressing.
3. Craft the creamy filling by blending wilted spinach with ricotta, combining mozzarella, Parmesan, a whisked egg, and a harmonious blend of Italian seasonings. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
4. Preheat the oven to 375°F, preparing a baking vessel by spreading a layer of marinara sauce across the bottom, creating a flavorful foundation.
5. Delicately fill each pasta shell with the prepared spinach and cheese mixture, arranging them carefully in the sauce-lined dish.
6. Generously coat the stuffed shells with remaining marinara sauce, ensuring complete coverage. Sprinkle an additional layer of mozzarella cheese across the top for a golden, melted finish.
7. Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking until the cheese becomes golden and bubbling, approximately 10 more minutes.
8. Allow the stuffed shells to rest briefly after removing from the oven. Optionally garnish with fresh basil or additional Parmesan cheese before serving, enhancing both visual appeal and flavor profile.

Notes

• Drain spinach thoroughly to prevent watery filling, using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to squeeze out excess moisture effectively.
• For a protein boost, mix in cooked ground turkey or chicken into the ricotta filling for added nutrition and flavor complexity.
• Make this dish gluten-free by substituting traditional pasta shells with gluten-free pasta shells or using zucchini boats as a low-carb alternative.
• Prepare the stuffed shells ahead of time and refrigerate, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking to enhance meal prep convenience and save time during busy weeknights.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg