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