Ricotta & Spinach Stuffed Shells are a delicious and comforting Italian dish featuring large pasta shells filled with a creamy ricotta and spinach mixture, baked in marinara sauce, and topped with melted cheese. This recipe is perfect for family dinners or special occasions!

Ingredients

For the Stuffed Shells:

• 12-16 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup fresh spinach (chopped, or 1/2 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

For the Sauce:

• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
• Fresh basil (for garnish, optional)

Timing

Making the Ricotta & Spinach Stuffed Shells takes about 20 minutes for preparation and 30 minutes for baking.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil Water: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
2. Cook Shells: Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. Mix Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Shells

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Layer Sauce: Spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
3. Stuff Shells: Fill each cooked pasta shell with the ricotta and spinach mixture and place them in the baking dish, open side up.
4. Top with Sauce: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 4: Bake

1. Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 5: Serve

1. Garnish and Enjoy: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve warm and enjoy this delicious dish!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of the Ricotta & Spinach Stuffed Shells (per serving, based on 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	400
Protein	20g
Fat	18g
Carbohydrates	42g
Fiber	3g
Sugar	6g

Tips for Customization

• Add Meat: Incorporate cooked ground beef, turkey, or sausage into the filling for added protein.
• Vegetable Variations: Add other vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to the filling for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a bit of heat.

Conclusion

Ricotta & Spinach Stuffed Shells are a comforting and flavorful dish that brings together creamy cheese and fresh spinach in a delicious pasta shell. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy this delightful recipe!