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Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe

Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

This recipe delivers the ultimate comfort food experience, perfect for a cozy family dinner. Jumbo pasta shells are generously filled with a creamy, savory blend of ricotta, spinach, and Italian cheeses, then baked in a rich marinara sauce until bubbly and golden. It’s a straightforward yet impressive dish that brings classic, heartwarming flavors to your table.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 336

Ingredients
  

  • 12–15 jumbo pasta shells (about half a 12 oz. box)
  • 2 cups whole milk 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, thawed and squeezed dry)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups of your favorite marinara sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Medium bowl
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Spoon

Method
 

  1. Boil the jumbo pasta shells in a large pot of salted water until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain the shells well and rinse them under cool water to halt the cooking process.
  2. Create the filling by combining the ricotta, 1/2 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and minced garlic in a bowl. It is crucial to thoroughly dry the spinach by squeezing out all excess water before adding it to the cheese mixture. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until just combined.
  3. Begin preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread half of the marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Use a spoon to carefully fill each cooked shell with the ricotta mixture and arrange them in the prepared dish.
  4. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese on top. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is golden.

Notes

  • Chef's Secret: To prevent a runny filling, it is absolutely essential to squeeze all excess moisture from the spinach. This single step guarantees a rich and creamy texture. Pro Tip: Let the baked dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese and filling to set, so the shells hold their shape perfectly on the plate. Make-Ahead Magic: You can fully assemble this dish up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover, refrigerate, and add about 10-15 extra minutes to the initial covered baking time.