Description
Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells are a classic Italian comfort food, featuring large pasta shells filled with a creamy spinach and ricotta mixture, smothered in marinara sauce, and baked to golden perfection. A satisfying and delicious meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 12 large pasta shells
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 10 oz fresh spinach (or frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While the shells are cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted. If using frozen spinach, make sure it is fully thawed and drained before adding. Stir everything together and remove from heat.
- In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, egg, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and the spinach mixture. Stir until well combined.
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce over the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the ricotta and spinach mixture and arrange them in the baking dish.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and top with the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving, if desired.
Notes
- For added protein, you can mix in cooked ground beef, turkey, or chicken to the ricotta mixture.
- Swap the ricotta for mascarpone cheese or add goat cheese for a different flavor.
- For a vegan option, replace the ricotta with vegan ricotta and use dairy-free mozzarella cheese. Skip the egg or use a plant-based egg substitute.
- To make it spicier, add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or the ricotta mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes (including baking time)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed shell
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
