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Easy Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Easy Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells


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  • Author: Ashely
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A comforting and beginner-friendly recipe featuring jumbo pasta shells stuffed with creamy ricotta, spinach, and cheese, baked in rich marinara sauce.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 jumbo pasta shells
  • 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (plus extra for topping)
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (or ½ cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish


Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the jumbo pasta shells in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add spinach and cook until wilted (if fresh) or heated through (if frozen). Season with salt and pepper.
  3. In a large bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, egg, nutmeg (if using), and the spinach mixture until well combined.
  4. Spread a layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Stuff each shell with the ricotta-spinach filling and place seam side up in the dish.
  5. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells and sprinkle with extra mozzarella cheese.
  6. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  7. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Make ahead by assembling the dish and refrigerating before baking.
  • Use a piping bag or zip-top bag to fill shells easily.
  • If cheese browns too quickly, cover with foil.
  • Frozen spinach must be well-drained to avoid watery filling.
  • Great for freezing and reheating for future meals.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
  • Calories: 465
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 1058mg
  • Fat: 27g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0.01g
  • Carbohydrates: 29g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 27g
  • Cholesterol: 119mg