Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe

Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe is the perfect dish for any occasion, combining rich flavors and creamy textures that leave everyone satisfied. This hearty meal is not only delicious but also simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for family dinners, gatherings, or a cozy night in. With a delightful balance of spinach and cheese, this dish offers a unique twist on traditional pasta recipes.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!PIN THIS!

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• Pasta Shells
• Cheese Mixture
• Spinach Filling
• Sauce and Seasoning
• Garnish
• How to Make Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Cook the Pasta Shells
• Step 3: Prepare the Filling
• Step 4: Stuff the Shells
• Step 5: Assemble in Baking Dish
• Step 6: Add Cheese Topping
• Step 7: Bake
• Step 8: Serve
• How to Serve Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe
• Casual Family Dinner
• Elegant Dinner Party
• Weeknight Meal
• Kids’ Favorite
• How to Perfect Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe
• Best Side Dishes for Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe
• Reheating Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use different cheeses in the Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe?
• How do I prepare spinach for the Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe?
• What sauce works best with Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe?
• Can I make Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe ahead of time?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This recipe requires minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and spinach creates a creamy filling that bursts with flavor in every bite.
• Versatile Dish: You can customize the filling with your favorite herbs or substitute ingredients based on what you have on hand.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: These stuffed shells can be made ahead of time and frozen for later use, providing a convenient meal option.
• Vegetarian Friendly: This dish caters to vegetarian diets while being hearty enough to satisfy everyone at the table.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this mouthwatering recipe, make sure you have the right tools ready. Having essential equipment on hand will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon or spatula
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta shells evenly without overcrowding.
• Baking dish: Ideal for holding all your stuffed shells together as they bake to perfection.
• Mixing bowl: Necessary for combining your cheesy spinach filling with ease.

Ingredients

Spinach-and-ricotta-stuffed shells deliver everything you love about comfort food — rich flavors, creamy textures, and the satisfaction of a homemade meal.

Pasta Shells

• 12–15 jumbo pasta shells (about 1/2 a box)

Cheese Mixture

• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg

Spinach Filling

• 2 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped) or 1 cup frozen spinach (thawed and drained)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

Sauce and Seasoning

• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Garnish

• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

How to Make Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your stuffed shells bake evenly.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta Shells

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells carefully. Cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. Ricotta cheese
2. Half of the shredded mozzarella cheese
3. Grated Parmesan cheese
4. Egg
5. Chopped spinach
6. Minced garlic
7. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Mix until well combined.

Step 4: Stuff the Shells

Take each cooked shell and fill it generously with the spinach and ricotta mixture using a spoon.

Step 5: Assemble in Baking Dish

Spread half of the marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Place filled shells on top of the sauce in a single layer. Pour remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells.

Step 6: Add Cheese Topping

Sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese over the top of the sauce-covered shells to create a cheesy crust as they bake.

Step 7: Bake

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.

Step 8: Serve

Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Enjoy your delicious Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells!

How to Serve Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe

Serving Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells is a delightful experience that can elevate your meal. Whether you choose to keep it simple or dress it up with sides, these shells are sure to impress.

Casual Family Dinner

• Serve the shells hot from the oven with a side of garlic bread for a cozy family meal.
• Pair with a simple green salad dressed in olive oil and vinegar for a fresh contrast.

Elegant Dinner Party

• Arrange the stuffed shells on a large platter, garnished with fresh basil for an elegant presentation.
• Offer a selection of wines, such as a chilled white or medium-bodied red, to complement the flavors.

Weeknight Meal

• Keep it easy by serving the shells alongside steamed vegetables or a quick sauté of seasonal greens.
• A store-bought marinara sauce can speed up prep time without sacrificing taste.

Kids’ Favorite

• Make it fun by serving the shells with a side of colorful carrot sticks and ranch dressing for dipping.
• Let kids sprinkle extra mozzarella on top before baking for an interactive cooking experience.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!

How to Perfect Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe

To achieve the perfect Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells, consider these tips that enhance taste and texture.

• Use fresh spinach: Fresh spinach adds vibrant flavor and better texture compared to frozen options.
• Season well: Don’t forget to season the ricotta mixture generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for balanced flavor.
• Avoid overcooking pasta: Cook pasta shells just until al dente; they will continue to cook when baked.
• Layer sauce: Spread some marinara sauce on the bottom of your baking dish before adding stuffed shells to prevent sticking.
• Top with cheese: Adding extra mozzarella on top before baking creates a deliciously gooey crust.
• Let rest after baking: Allowing the stuffed shells to sit for 5 minutes after baking helps them set up nicely for serving.

Best Side Dishes for Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe

Choosing the right side dishes can enhance your Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells. Here are some great options that pair well.

1. Garlic Bread: Crunchy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up marinara sauce.
2. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with Caesar dressing adds a refreshing crunch.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring color and nutrients to your plate while complementing the cheesy filling.
4. Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil create a light side that balances the richness of the stuffed shells.
5. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli offers nutritional value without overpowering flavors.
6. Italian Antipasto Platter: A mix of olives, cheeses, and cured meats provides variety and sophistication to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells can be straightforward, but a few common mistakes can ruin your dish. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:

• Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning your cheese mixture can lead to bland shells. Always taste and adjust the seasonings before filling.
• Using uncooked pasta: Baking uncooked shells will result in hard pasta. Make sure to boil them until al dente, so they cook perfectly in the oven.
• Overfilling the shells: Stuffing too much filling can cause the shells to break. Use just enough filling to fill them without overflowing.
• Not covering with sauce: Forgetting to cover your stuffed shells with marinara sauce can lead to dry pasta. Ensure they are well-coated for a moist texture.
• Ignoring ingredient temperatures: Using cold ingredients can affect how well they mix. Allow your ricotta and spinach to reach room temperature for easier blending.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe

• Wrap individual servings in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet with a bit of sauce over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making this dish, you’re not alone! Here are some common queries:

Can I use different cheeses in the Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe?

Yes! You can substitute cottage cheese or cream cheese for ricotta or add cheddar for extra flavor.

How do I prepare spinach for the Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe?

If using fresh spinach, sauté it briefly until wilted. For frozen spinach, thaw and drain thoroughly before mixing.

What sauce works best with Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe?

Marinara is traditional, but you can also try Alfredo or pesto for a different twist!

Can I make Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the shells and store them uncooked in the fridge or freezer until ready to bake.

Final Thoughts

Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize this recipe based on your preferences by adding different vegetables or proteins. Whether you’re looking for a comforting family dinner or a dish that impresses guests, these stuffed shells are sure to satisfy!