Irresistible Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe

Imagine a plate of Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells, bursting with creamy ricotta and fresh spinach, enveloped in tender pasta shells like a warm embrace. The aroma wafts through the air, a delightful blend of garlic and herbs teasing the taste buds and promising a cozy meal that feels like home. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or an indulgent weeknight treat, offering comfort and satisfaction with each bite.

Now picture this: it’s a rainy Sunday afternoon, and you’ve just discovered an old family recipe tucked away in a dusty cookbook. As you read about these stuffed shells, your mouth waters at the thought of cheese oozing from every perfectly cooked shell. You realize that this dish isn’t just food; it’s nostalgia on a plate, ready to transport you back to simpler times when cooking was about love rather than perfection.

Ingredients for Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Large Pasta Shells: About 20-25 shells will do the trick. Look for high-quality pasta that can hold up during cooking.
• Ricotta Cheese: Choose whole milk ricotta for a creamier texture that melds beautifully with other ingredients.
• Fresh Spinach: Use baby spinach for its tender leaves, which will wilt perfectly into your filling mixture.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: This adds gooey cheesiness and golden-brown goodness on top of your shells when baked.
• Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan enhances the overall flavor with its sharpness.
• Marinara Sauce: Use store-bought or homemade sauce; either way, it should be rich and flavorful to complement the stuffed shells.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic will elevate the flavor profile and add aromatic depth.
• Olive Oil: Drizzle some olive oil into your filling mixture for added richness and moisture.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by boiling water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt and then toss in those large pasta shells. Cook them until al dente according to package instructions—about eight minutes should do it! Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Spinach

In a pan over medium heat, drizzle some olive oil. Add fresh minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—about one minute. Toss in the baby spinach and cook until wilted.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, sautéed spinach (let it cool slightly!), shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.

Step 4: Stuff the Shells

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Using a spoon or piping bag (if you’re feeling fancy), carefully stuff each pasta shell with your cheesy filling.

Step 5: Arrange & Cover

Spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place each stuffed shell on top of the sauce in one single layer. Pour the remaining sauce over your stuffed shells and sprinkle any leftover mozzarella on top.

Step 6: Bake

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for about twenty minutes. Remove foil for an additional five minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.

Serve these Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells hot from the oven! They pair wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh salad—a perfect way to impress friends or enjoy some well-deserved self-care at home!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven and boiling water for the pasta. While the shells cook, prepare the spinach and ricotta filling. Finally, assemble everything in a baking dish and let the oven work its magic.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ricotta for cottage cheese or add spices like nutmeg or garlic powder to elevate the flavor. Toss in some sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for an extra layer of deliciousness!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven for 20 minutes at 350°F, ensuring they stay moist and cheesy.

It was during a family gathering when I first made these Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells. The compliments flowed like wine (but without the wine, of course). Watching everyone devour them was a joy that still warms my heart!

FAQs :

What are Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells?

Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells are a delicious pasta dish where large pasta shells are filled with a creamy mixture of ricotta cheese, spinach, and various seasonings. They are often topped with marinara sauce and baked until bubbly and golden. This comforting recipe is perfect for families or gatherings, providing a satisfying vegetarian option that everyone will enjoy.

How do I make the filling for Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells?

To prepare the filling for Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells, combine ricotta cheese, cooked spinach (drained), grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix until smooth and well combined. You can also add herbs like basil or oregano for extra flavor. This mixture is then spooned into the pasta shells before baking, creating a rich and flavorful center.

Can I freeze Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells?

Yes, you can freeze Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells! After assembling the stuffed shells in a baking dish, cover them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you’re ready to bake them, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed for a warm and comforting meal.

What can I serve with Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells?

Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells pair well with various sides. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds freshness to the meal. Garlic bread is another great choice, offering a crunchy contrast to the soft stuffed shells. Additionally, sautéed vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers can complement this dish nicely.

Conclusion for Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells :

Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures that appeal to pasta lovers everywhere. With their creamy filling and savory marinara sauce, they create an unforgettable meal option. Whether baked fresh or prepared ahead of time and frozen, these stuffed shells are versatile and easy to make. Enjoy them at family dinners or special occasions for a satisfying dish that brings everyone together around the table.

Print

Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells are a comforting and indulgent dish, perfect for family dinners or cozy weeknight meals. Each large pasta shell is filled with a creamy blend of ricotta cheese and fresh spinach, then baked in rich marinara sauce until bubbly and golden. This easy-to-make recipe combines nostalgia with delightful flavors, making it a favorite for all ages.

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4 (8 stuffed shells total) 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 20 large pasta shells
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta shells in salted boiling water until al dente (about 8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
2. In a pan over medium heat, heat olive oil. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute), then add spinach, cooking until wilted.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, sautéed spinach, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
4. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Stuff each shell with the filling mixture.
5. Spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange stuffed shells in a single layer and top with remaining sauce and extra mozzarella if desired.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes; remove foil and bake an additional 5 minutes until bubbly.

• Author: Sophia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells (170g)
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 640mg
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 40mg