Why Make This Recipe

Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells is a delightful dish that brings together the creamy texture of ricotta cheese and the health benefits of spinach. It’s not only delicious but also a comforting meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Whether you are looking for a hearty dinner or a special dish for guests, this recipe is a great choice.

How to Make Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Ingredients:

Jumbo pasta shells
Ricotta cheese
Spinach (fresh or frozen)
Mozzarella cheese
Parmesan cheese
Marinara sauce
Garlic
Olive oil
Salt
Pepper
Italian seasoning

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions. Drain and set them aside.
In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the garlic until it becomes fragrant.
Add the spinach to the pan and cook until it wilts.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, wilted spinach, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix well.
Take each cooked shell and stuff it with the cheese mixture.
In a baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom, then arrange the stuffed shells on top.
Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with extra mozzarella cheese.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly.

How to Serve Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Serve the Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells hot, straight from the oven. For an added touch, you can garnish with some fresh basil or extra grated Parmesan cheese. This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or garlic bread.

How to Store Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

If you have leftovers, store the stuffed shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be kept for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Tips to Make Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Use fresh spinach for better flavor, but frozen spinach works just as well.
Make sure to drain any excess moisture from the spinach to avoid a watery filling.
Feel free to add some red pepper flakes for a bit of heat in the cheese mixture.

Variation

You can easily customize this recipe by adding cooked ground meat, like sausage or turkey, to the cheese mixture for a meatier dish. Alternatively, you could substitute the marinara sauce for a cream sauce for a different flavor profile.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular pasta instead of jumbo shells?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, but jumbo shells are ideal for stuffing.

2. Can I freeze the stuffed shells?
Absolutely! You can freeze the stuffed shells before baking. Just make sure to cover them well with plastic wrap and aluminum foil.

3. What if I don’t like ricotta cheese?
You can substitute ricotta cheese with cottage cheese or even cream cheese for a different taste.

Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells