Description
Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells – A comforting vegetarian pasta dish featuring jumbo shells filled with ricotta, spinach, and herbs, baked in tomato sauce until bubbly and golden.
Ingredients
Scale
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 1 egg
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish and spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom.
- Cook pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and let cool slightly.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, spinach, egg, garlic, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until creamy and well combined.
- Fill each shell with the ricotta-spinach mixture and place them in the prepared baking dish.
- Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with extra mozzarella cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake another 10 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can use frozen spinach: thaw, squeeze out excess moisture, then substitute for fresh.
- For extra cheesiness, add a bit more mozzarella or a topping of Parmesan.
- Make ahead: assemble, refrigerate up to 24 hours, then bake as directed.
- Leftovers refrigerate well and reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed shell (1/4 of dish)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells, vegetarian pasta, stuffed shells, spinach ricotta, baked shells, Italian dinner