The Best Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe You’ll Ever Try

Creamy spinach ricotta stuffed shells promise a delightful Italian-inspired comfort meal that will make your taste buds dance.

Pasta shells become irresistible vessels for a rich, velvety filling bursting with vibrant green goodness.

Tender pasta pockets cradle a luxurious blend of smooth ricotta and earthy spinach.

Melted cheese creates a golden blanket over these delectable shells, adding depth and warmth to every bite.

Hearty yet elegant, this dish works perfectly for casual weeknight dinners or special gatherings.

Simple ingredients combine to create something magical on your plate.

You’ll fall in love with this classic recipe that brings Mediterranean flavors right to your kitchen.

What Makes Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells Irresistible

• Craft a Crowd-Pleasing Meal: This spinach ricotta stuffed shells recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish that wows everyone at the table.
• Customize with Ease: Switch up ingredients like using different cheeses, adding protein, or swapping marinara for another sauce to match your family's taste preferences.
• Master a Classic Italian Technique: Learn how to perfectly stuff pasta shells and create a creamy, flavorful filling that elevates a traditional comfort food recipe.
• Quick Family Dinner Solution: Prepare this make-ahead meal that comes together quickly, requires minimal kitchen skills, and satisfies picky eaters and gourmet lovers alike.

Must-Have Ingredients for Stuffed Shells

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: Large shells perfect for holding the rich, creamy stuffing.

• Ricotta Cheese: Soft, creamy cheese that provides a smooth and rich base for the stuffing.
• Spinach: Fresh or frozen vegetable that adds nutrition and vibrant green color to the filling.
• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty cheeses that contribute extra flavor and create a delicious, gooey texture.
• Egg: Helps bind the filling ingredients together and provides structure.

• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth and warmth to the overall flavor profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the taste of the filling.
• Nutmeg: Optional spice that adds a subtle, warm note to the cheese mixture.

• Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato-based sauce that complements the cheese and spinach filling.
• Fresh Basil, Fresh Parsley: Optional herbs that provide a fresh, bright finish to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding a subtle richness to the spinach.

How to Make Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F. If you’re using fresh spinach, give it a good rinse and chop it into tiny pieces.

Working with frozen spinach? Let it thaw and squeeze out all the extra water like you’re wringing out a wet towel.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta Shells

Grab a large pot and bring salted water to a rolling boil. Toss in the jumbo pasta shells and cook until they’re perfectly tender but still have a slight bite.

Drain the shells and set them aside to cool down.

Step 3: Sauté the Spinach

Heat up some olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Toss in minced garlic and let it dance around until it’s wonderfully fragrant. Add the spinach and cook until it wilts completely for fresh spinach, or just heats through if you’re using frozen.

Sprinkle in some salt and pepper to boost the flavor.

Step 4: Mix the Filling

• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Egg
• Nutmeg (if you're feeling fancy)
• Sautéed spinach mixture

Stir everything until it’s well combined and looks irresistibly creamy.

Step 5: Prepare the Baking Dish

Spread a generous layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of your baking dish. This will create a delicious base for your shells.

Step 6: Stuff and Arrange the Shells

Carefully fill each pasta shell with the cheesy spinach mixture. Place them seam-side up in the baking dish.

Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top and sprinkle an extra handful of mozzarella cheese for good measure.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish with foil and slide it into the oven.

Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes. You’re looking for bubbly, golden cheese that’s begging to be eaten.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Just before serving, scatter some fresh basil or parsley on top. This adds a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor that’ll make your dish look and taste amazing.

Pro Tips for Stuffed Shell Success

• Opt for fresh spinach when possible, as it provides a brighter flavor and better texture compared to frozen spinach.
• Squeeze out excess moisture from spinach thoroughly to prevent watery filling and maintain the perfect shell consistency.
• Experiment with herb combinations like basil, oregano, or thyme to enhance the ricotta mixture's depth of flavor.
• Choose high-quality marinara sauce or make your own for a more authentic and rich taste profile in the dish.
• Allow stuffed shells to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help them set and make serving easier without falling apart.

Flavorful Spins on Stuffed Shells

• Mediterranean Melody: Replace spinach with sautéed zucchini and add crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired version.
• Protein Power: Mix ground turkey or chicken into the cheese filling for a heartier protein-packed meal.
• Spicy Southwest: Incorporate diced jalapeños, cumin, and replace marinara with salsa for a zesty southwestern flair.
• Veggie Harvest: Add roasted bell peppers, mushrooms, and swap ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter vegetable-rich alternative.

What to Serve with Stuffed Shells

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Choose a light, acidic white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the rich, creamy cheese and complement the spinach's earthy flavors.
• Serve with Fresh Arugula Salad: Create a zesty side salad with peppery arugula, lemon vinaigrette, and shaved parmesan to balance the stuffed shells' richness and add a refreshing contrast.
• Match with Garlic Bread: Prepare herbed garlic bread to soak up the marinara sauce, adding a crunchy texture and complementary garlic notes that enhance the overall Italian-inspired meal.

How to Store Stuffed Shell Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Freeze: Wrap individual shells or entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Microwave Reheating: Place shells on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature midway.
• Oven Reheating: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place shells in baking dish, add splash of marinara sauce to prevent drying. Cover with foil, warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for last 5 minutes to crisp cheese.

FAQs About Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells

• Can I use low-fat cheese for this recipe?

Low-fat ricotta and mozzarella work perfectly. They’ll reduce calories while maintaining a creamy texture and similar taste profile.

• Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?

Yes, this spinach ricotta stuffed shells recipe is completely vegetarian. It contains no meat and can be easily adapted for different dietary preferences.

• How do I prevent shells from tearing while stuffing?

Cook pasta shells just until al dente and handle gently. Let them cool slightly before filling to make them more manageable and less likely to break.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the stuffed shells a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Just add 5-10 minutes to baking time when cooking directly from the refrigerator.

Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Italian-inspired “spinach ricotta stuffed shells” bring comfort and flavor to family dinner tables with simple, wholesome ingredients. Cheese-filled pasta shells nestled in marinara sauce offer a delightful Mediterranean-style meal that you’ll savor bite after delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 12 jumbo pasta shells
• 1.5 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 2 cups marinara sauce

Cheese and Binding Ingredients:

• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 large egg

Seasoning and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 375°F, preparing a conducive environment for baking the stuffed shells.
2. Process pasta shells in salted boiling water until tender, carefully draining and allowing them to cool slightly.
3. Transform fresh or thawed spinach into fine, uniform pieces, removing excess moisture through gentle pressing.
4. Create a fragrant base by sautéing garlic in olive oil, then incorporating spinach and seasoning with salt and pepper until perfectly wilted.
5. Craft the filling by blending ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, egg, and nutmeg with the prepared spinach mixture, ensuring a smooth and cohesive texture.
6. Establish a protective sauce foundation in the baking dish by spreading marinara across the bottom.
7. Meticulously fill each pasta shell with the cheese and spinach blend, positioning them neatly in the prepared dish.
8. Cascade remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, generously sprinkling additional mozzarella for enhanced flavor and visual appeal.
9. Shield the dish with foil, baking for 25 minutes to allow flavors to meld and ingredients to heat thoroughly.
10. Uncover and continue baking for 10 more minutes, achieving a golden, bubbling cheese topping.
11. Elevate the presentation by garnishing with fresh herbs like basil or parsley before serving.

Notes

• Swap spinach for kale or Swiss chard to add variety and nutritional diversity to the dish.
• Use low-fat ricotta and part-skim mozzarella for a lighter, healthier version without compromising flavor.
• Allow cooked shells to cool slightly before stuffing to prevent burning your hands and ensure easier handling.
• Drain pasta shells thoroughly and lay them separately to prevent sticking and maintain their shape for perfect stuffing.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg