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Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Classic Italian comfort food featuring jumbo pasta shells filled with creamy ricotta and spinach, baked in marinara sauce with melted mozzarella.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 336

Ingredients
  

  • 13 jumbo pasta shells about half a box
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese divided
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cups fresh spinach roughly chopped, or 1 cup frozen thawed and drained
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Skillet for sauteing
  • Aluminum foil

Method
 

  1. Cook jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions. Boil in salted water until al dente, typically 8 to 10 minutes. Drain shells and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. In large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half cup shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and egg. Mix until well incorporated.
  3. Heat tablespoon olive oil in skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Toss in chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  4. Add cooked spinach and garlic to cheese mixture. Stir well to combine and season filling with Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
  5. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Spread 1 cup marinara sauce evenly over bottom of 9x13 inch baking dish.
  6. Take each cooked shell and fill with about 2 tablespoons of ricotta-spinach mixture. Arrange stuffed shells in single layer in baking dish, open side up.
  7. Once all shells are stuffed, spoon remaining marinara sauce over top. Sprinkle remaining half cup mozzarella cheese over shells.
  8. Cover baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Let dish rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Notes

Full-fat ricotta yields creamiest filling. Avoid overstuffing shells. Cook pasta until just al dente. If using frozen spinach, squeeze out all excess water. Can be assembled ahead and frozen for up to 3 months before baking.
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