Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe
Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe offers a delightful blend of creamy ricotta, fresh spinach, and savory marinara sauce. This dish is perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or even a cozy night in. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a standout choice that everyone will enjoy. Plus, it’s simple to make, ensuring you can whip up this comforting meal without any fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting Flavors: The rich taste of ricotta combined with marinara sauce creates a warm and satisfying dish.
- Easy Preparation: With just a few straightforward steps, you can have a delicious dinner ready in under an hour.
- Versatile Meal: Suitable for both casual weeknights and festive gatherings, this recipe adapts to any occasion.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with spinach and cheese, it’s a nutritious choice that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
- Make Ahead Option: You can prepare these shells in advance and bake them just before serving for added convenience.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making your Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe, gather your tools to streamline the process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Necessary for boiling the pasta shells evenly.
- Baking dish: Ideal for assembling and baking your stuffed shells to perfection.
- Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining all your filling ingredients smoothly.
- Whisk or fork: Helps mix the egg into the ricotta for a creamy filling.
Ingredients
Spinach-and-ricotta-stuffed shells deliver everything you love about comfort food — rich flavors, creamy textures, and the satisfaction of a homemade meal.
For the Pasta
- 12–15 jumbo pasta shells (about 1/2 a box)
For the Filling
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped) or 1 cup frozen spinach (thawed and drained)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
For the Sauce
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
How to Make Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your stuffed shells will bake evenly.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Boil water in a large pot:
1. Add salt to the boiling water.
2. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain the shells carefully and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl:
1. Combine ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, egg, spinach, and garlic.
2. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Step 4: Assemble the Shells
In your baking dish:
1. Spread half of the marinara sauce evenly on the bottom.
2. Carefully stuff each pasta shell with about 2 tablespoons of the filling mixture.
3. Place filled shells in the baking dish open side up.
Step 5: Add Sauce and Cheese
Once all shells are arranged:
1. Pour remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells.
2. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese.
Step 6: Bake
Cover with aluminum foil:
1. Bake for 20 minutes.
2. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Step 7: Serve
Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired:
Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe!
How to Serve Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe
Serving Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells is all about enhancing the rich flavors and creamy textures of this delightful dish. Here are some creative ways to serve this comforting meal.
Classic Italian Style
- Garlic Bread – Serve alongside warm, buttery garlic bread for a classic pairing.
- Caesar Salad – A crisp Caesar salad adds a refreshing crunch that complements the stuffed shells perfectly.
With a Twist
- Pesto Drizzle – Drizzle homemade or store-bought pesto over the shells for an extra burst of flavor.
- Balsamic Reduction – A splash of balsamic reduction can elevate the dish with its sweet tanginess.
Family Style
- Family-Style Presentation – Serve the stuffed shells in a large baking dish, topped with extra marinara and cheese, allowing everyone to help themselves.
- Garnished Plates – Garnish each plate with fresh basil leaves for a vibrant touch before serving.
How to Perfect Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe
To achieve perfection with your Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh spinach and quality cheeses will enhance the overall flavor of your dish.
- Don’t Overcook Pasta – Cook pasta shells al dente; they will continue to cook in the oven without becoming mushy.
- Adjust Seasoning – Taste your filling before stuffing; adjust salt and pepper according to your preference.
- Layer Sauce Generously – Spread enough marinara sauce on the bottom of your baking dish to keep the shells moist while baking.
Best Side Dishes for Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to consider:
- Roasted Vegetables – A mix of seasonal veggies roasted until tender makes for a colorful and nutritious side.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide a comforting contrast to the stuffed shells.
- Greek Salad – This light salad brings refreshing flavors that balance out the richness of the main dish.
- Steamed Broccoli – Simple steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients without overwhelming flavors.
- Caprese Salad – Layers of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic make for a beautiful presentation.
- Zucchini Noodles – Light and healthy, zucchini noodles offer a fun twist while keeping things low-carb.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Overcooking pasta: Always cook the jumbo shells al dente. If you overcook them, they may fall apart when you stuff them.
- Skipping seasoning: Don’t forget to season your filling and sauce with salt and pepper. This enhances the flavors significantly.
- Using too much filling: Be careful not to overstuff the shells. A heaping tablespoon is perfect; otherwise, they might spill over during baking.
- Ignoring the marinara base: Ensure your marinara sauce is flavorful. A bland sauce will make your dish lackluster.
- Not letting it rest: After baking, let the dish sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps everything set and improves the texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Make sure the dish is completely cooled before sealing to prevent condensation.
Freezing Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap before placing in a container to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and bake for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat for 2-3 minutes or until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat on low in a skillet with a splash of water to steam until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen spinach works well! Just ensure it’s thawed and drained thoroughly before mixing it into the filling.
How can I customize this recipe?
Feel free to add other ingredients like cooked chicken, mushrooms, or different cheeses for more flavor!
What should I serve with Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells?
These stuffed shells pair nicely with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything earlier in the day and bake it just before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe is both comforting and versatile. It allows for various customizations, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a cozy night in, these stuffed shells are sure to please everyone at your table. Give it a try, and explore all the variations you can create!
Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of our Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe. This delightful dish features tender jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy mixture of ricotta cheese, fresh spinach, and savory herbs, all topped with rich marinara sauce and melted mozzarella. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this recipe is not only delicious but also quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. With its blend of textures and flavors, it’s sure to become a household favorite. Enjoy this satisfying vegetarian meal that brings warmth and joy to your dinner table.
Ingredients
- 12–15 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups fresh spinach (chopped) or 1 cup frozen spinach (thawed)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook pasta shells in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, 1/2 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, spinach, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Spread half of the marinara sauce in a baking dish. Stuff each shell with filling and arrange them in the dish.
- Pour remaining marinara sauce over the shells and top with remaining mozzarella.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes; uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 2 stuffed shells (200g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
