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

Ingredients

For the Stuffed Shells:

• 12-15 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 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

For the Sauce:

• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Extra mozzarella cheese (for topping, optional)

Timing

Making Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells takes about 20 minutes for preparation and 30-35 minutes for baking.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook Shells: Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. Mix Filling Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, grated Parmesan cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Shells

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Fill Shells: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Using a spoon, fill each cooked pasta shell with the spinach and ricotta mixture and place them in the baking dish, seam side up.
3. Top with Sauce: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese and additional mozzarella cheese if desired.

Step 4: Bake

1. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 5: Serve

1. Cool and Enjoy: Let the stuffed shells cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells!

Nutritional Information

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

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	350
Protein	18g
Fat	15g
Carbohydrates	40g
Fiber	3g
Sugar	6g

Tips for Customization

• Add Meat: For a heartier dish, add cooked ground beef or sausage to the filling mixture.
• Use Different Greens: Substitute spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a different flavor.
• Make it Vegan: Use vegan ricotta and cheese substitutes to create a plant-based version.

Conclusion

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