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Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Creamy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells for Cozy Nights

Discover this comforting Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells recipe, perfect for cozy nights and packed with flavor.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Stuffing
  • 12 pieces jumbo pasta shells
  • 4 cups fresh spinach or 1 cup of thawed and drained frozen spinach
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese low-fat versions work too
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded, part-skim recommended
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated, fresh preferred
  • 1 large egg can be omitted for egg-free
For the Aromatics
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium onion diced, yellow or sweet preferred
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
For Seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt adjust for low-sodium diets
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper adjust to taste
For the Sauce
  • 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce homemade or store-bought
  • basil for serving, fresh recommended
  • extra parmesan cheese for serving

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • baking dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the jumbo pasta shells until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse with cold water.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
  4. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach mixture with ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, pepper, and salt. Mix until well combined.
  6. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
  7. Stuff each pasta shell with the cheese-spinach filling and place them seam-side up in the dish.
  8. Drizzle the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese.
  9. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  10. Let cool for a few minutes, garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 40IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

These stuffed shells are perfect for make-ahead meals and freeze beautifully for quick dinners later.

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