Description
These Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Pasta Shells are the ultimate comfort food. Jumbo pasta shells are filled with a creamy ricotta and spinach mixture, topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, then baked to perfection. Whether for a family dinner, potluck, or cozy weeknight meal, this dish is easy to prepare and packed with flavor, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
12 ounces jumbo pasta shells
15 ounces ricotta cheese
10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and drained
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta Shells:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions, usually 9-11 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool slightly. -
Prepare the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, thawed and drained spinach, Parmesan cheese, and the egg. Mix until smooth, and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. -
Assemble the Shells:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Stuff each pasta shell with the ricotta and spinach mixture and place them in the baking dish. -
Top the Dish:
Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. -
Bake:
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden. -
Serve:
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad!
Notes
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: These shells freeze well. Assemble and cover tightly with foil before freezing. To bake from frozen, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 50-55 minutes, removing the foil in the last 10-15 minutes.
Sweetener Options: Use honey or agave syrup if you prefer a different sweetener.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
