Description
Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells are a cozy, cheesy baked pasta dish that works beautifully for an easy dinner, family dinner, and comforting food ideas any night of the week. Tender jumbo shells are filled with a creamy spinach and ricotta mixture, covered in marinara and melted mozzarella, then baked until bubbly for one of my favorite easy recipe and dinner ideas to serve when I want something hearty, simple, and satisfying.
Ingredients
20 jumbo pasta shells
15 ounces ricotta cheese
10 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
3 cups marinara sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the jumbo shells until al dente. Drain and let them cool enough to handle.
3. In a large bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, spinach, 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
4. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
5. Spoon the filling into each shell and arrange the filled shells in the dish.
6. Top the shells with the remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and bake for 10 more minutes, until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
9. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Do not overcook the pasta shells before stuffing them, or they can tear and become too soft after baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 to 3 stuffed shells
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: spinach and ricotta stuffed shells, stuffed shells recipe, easy dinner, family dinner, baked pasta, cheesy pasta, comfort food, dinner ideas, easy recipe, food ideas