Description

These Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells are the perfect mix of comfort and freshness. Tender pasta shells are filled with a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and sautéed spinach, all baked in a rich marinara sauce. It’s a cozy, crowd-pleasing vegetarian meal that feels like a warm hug in every bite.

Ingredients

For the Shells:

16 jumbo pasta shells (cook a few extras in case of breaks)

1½ tbsp olive oil

2 tsp garlic, minced

4 cups (packed) fresh spinach, roughly chopped

For the Filling:

12 oz ricotta cheese (skim or whole milk)

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (+ extra for topping)

1 large egg

1 tbsp finely chopped fresh basil

1 tsp kosher salt

½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

For Baking:

1¼ cups marinara sauce

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Instructions

Preheat oven:
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook pasta shells:
Boil the shells in salted water according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
Sauté spinach:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. Stir in spinach and cook for 3–4 minutes until wilted and bright green. Remove from heat and let cool.
Mix the filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine spinach, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined and creamy.
Assemble:
Spread ½ cup marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish (8×8 inches or similar). Stuff each shell with the cheese mixture and arrange them neatly in the dish.
Add sauce and bake:
Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until the sauce bubbles and the top turns golden.
Serve:
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.

Notes

Make-Ahead: You can prepare the stuffed shells a day in advance. Cover tightly and refrigerate; bake when ready to serve.
Freezer-Friendly: Assemble and freeze before baking. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed.
Extra Creaminess: Mix a spoonful of cream cheese or mascarpone into the filling for an extra-rich texture.
Want more flavor? Add a pinch of nutmeg or crushed red pepper flakes to the filling for a subtle kick.

Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 35 min