The aroma of melted cheese wafts through the air as you prepare to dive into a plate of Easy Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells. Imagine twirling your fork around those plump pasta shells, each one cradling a delightful mix of ricotta and fresh spinach, dripping in marinara sauce. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that beckons memories of family gatherings, laughter echoing around the table, and the satisfaction of a hearty veggie dinner.
I remember the first time I made these shells; my kids thought I had transformed into a gourmet chef overnight. We devoured them as if they were the last dinner on earth, and let me tell you, there were no leftovers! These stuffed shells are perfect for cozy weeknights or impressive enough for special occasions. Get ready to savor every bite!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Easy Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells make meal prep a breeze with minimal effort required
- Each shell bursts with a creamy filling balanced by tangy marinara sauce
- The vibrant colors of this dish make it visually stunning at any dinner table
- Ideal for family dinners but versatile enough for gatherings or potlucks
I still chuckle when I think about how my husband tried to sneakily grab seconds before everyone else had their first!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Jumbo Pasta Shells: Look for large shells that have room to hold all that tasty filling.
Ricotta Cheese: Opt for fresh ricotta for the best creamy texture and flavor.
Fresh Spinach: Use baby spinach for its tenderness, which will blend beautifully into the filling.
Mozzarella Cheese: Grate your mozzarella for easy melting and gooey goodness on top.
Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce to save time.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds depth and richness to the overall flavor profile.
Garlic Powder: For that extra hint of flavor without the fuss of fresh garlic.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors in this dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Pasta Shells: Start by boiling water in a large pot. Once it’s bubbling like your favorite hot spring, add salt and toss in those jumbo pasta shells. Cook them until al dente since they’ll continue baking later.
Mix Your Filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, half the mozzarella, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well-combined; it’s like bringing together old friends at a party.
Stuff Those Shells!: Take each cooked shell and fill it generously with the ricotta-spinach mixture using a spoon or your handy fingers. Just be careful not to overstuff unless you want an explosion of cheesy goodness.
Add Sauce and Cheese: Spread half of the marinara sauce across the bottom of a baking dish. Place your filled shells on top and generously drizzle with remaining sauce before sprinkling with leftover mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the dish with aluminum foil (to prevent sticking) and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Enjoy these Easy Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells while they’re hot!
Content: Incorporate fresh spinach for a vibrant color and stronger flavor. Fresh ingredients always elevate dishes, turning mundane meals into culinary masterpieces. I remember the first time I used fresh spinach; my friends were raving about it all night.
Texture is Key: Ensure you mix ricotta thoroughly for a creamy filling. Avoid clumps to achieve that dreamy texture. The first time I made this, I didn’t mix well and ended up with ricotta islands in my shells.
Don’t Overcook the Shells: Cook the pasta just until al dente. It helps maintain their shape and prevents mushiness. I learned this the hard way when my first batch turned into a gooey mess!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling the pasta shells while preparing the spinach-ricotta filling. Bake them with sauce for a delightful finish.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out spinach for kale or add mushrooms for an extra kick. This dish loves creativity!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- This recipe shines when you use quality ricotta cheese and fresh basil
- Don’t skimp on seasoning; it makes all the difference!
- The colorful presentation will impress family and friends alike, making dinner feel like a special occasion
I still chuckle recalling the time my best friend tried to impress her date with these stuffed shells but forgot to add salt—let’s just say it was memorable!
FAQ
Can I make Easy Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells ahead of time?
Yes, prepare and assemble them a day before baking for easier cooking.
What can I substitute for ricotta?
Cottage cheese or cream cheese works well as an alternative filling option.
How do I prevent my pasta from sticking together?
Drizzle olive oil on cooked shells and separate them gently to avoid sticking issues.
Easy Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Easy Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells are a delightful vegetarian dish that combines creamy ricotta cheese, fresh spinach, and gooey mozzarella stuffed into tender jumbo pasta shells. Topped with marinara sauce and baked to perfection, this recipe promises a comforting meal that brings back fond memories of family gatherings. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, these stuffed shells are sure to impress everyone at your dinner table.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 (8 stuffed shells) 1x
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the pasta shells until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, half of the mozzarella, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Generously fill each shell with the ricotta-spinach mixture.
- Spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange filled shells on top and drizzle with remaining sauce. Sprinkle with leftover mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; then remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells (200g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
