These Ricotta Stuffed Shells with Spinach are a delightful blend of creamy cheeses and tender spinach, all nestled within jumbo pasta shells and baked to perfection in a rich marinara sauce.
It’s a comforting, vegetarian-friendly dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Simple ingredients – Everything you need is easy to find at the store.
No complicated steps – Just cook, mix, stuff, and bake. That’s it!
Tastes amazing – Cheesy, saucy, and baked to perfection.
Feeds a crowd – Great for sharing or saving leftovers.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Jumbo shells pasta – Perfect for holding the rich filling.
Olive oil – Used to sauté the garlic and spinach.
Minced garlic – Adds a fragrant, savory depth.
Fresh spinach – Provides a nutritious and flavorful component.
Ricotta cheese – The creamy base of the filling.
Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty, nutty flavor.
Mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully for a gooey texture.
Fresh basil – Infuses the dish with aromatic freshness.
Egg – Binds the filling together.
Salt & black pepper – Essential seasonings to enhance flavor.
Marinara sauce – The savory tomato base that ties everything together.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Don’t overcook the pasta – Boil until just al dente; it will continue cooking in the oven.
Use quality cheese – Opt for fresh, high-quality cheeses for the best flavor.
Make ahead – Prepare the stuffed shells in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Customize the filling – Feel free to add herbs or other vegetables to the filling for variation.
How to Make Ricotta Stuffed Shells with Spinach
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Cook the jumbo shells in salted water until al dente.
Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
Sauté minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant.
Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
Let it cool. In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed spinach and garlic with ricotta, Parmesan, mozzarella, egg, chopped basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Step 3: Stuff the Shells
Fill each cooked shell with the ricotta-spinach mixture.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
Spread half of the marinara sauce in a baking dish.
Arrange the stuffed shells on top. Pour the remaining sauce over the shells.
Step 5: Bake
Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the top is bubbly and slightly golden.
What to Serve With Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Garlic bread – Perfect for soaking up the extra sauce.
Mixed green salad – Adds a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.
Roasted vegetables – Complements the dish with additional textures and flavors.
A glass of red wine – Enhances the overall dining experience.
Variations / Substitutions
Change up the sauce – Try a rich Bolognese or a spicy arrabbiata for a different flavor profile.
Mix up the filling – Add mushrooms, ground meat, or a spoonful of pesto for extra flavor.
Give it some texture – Incorporate crushed walnuts into the filling for a crunchy element.
Use different greens – Swap spinach with kale or Swiss chard as desired.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Refrigerate – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze – Place in a freezer-safe dish and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat – Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, thaw and drain it well before mixing into the filling.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, it contains no meat products.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
What if I don’t have jumbo shells?
You can use manicotti or cannelloni as alternatives.
Final Thoughts
This Ricotta Stuffed Shells with Spinach recipe is a comforting, cheesy delight that’s sure to please any crowd.
Its simplicity and rich flavors make it a go-to dish for both weeknight dinners and special gatherings.
