Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe
Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe is a delightful dish that brings comfort to your dinner table. This recipe combines creamy ricotta with fresh spinach, all wrapped in tender pasta shells and topped with marinara sauce. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, these stuffed shells are sure to impress everyone. The rich flavors and satisfying textures make them a standout choice for any meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This recipe requires minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.
- Flavorful: The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Italian seasoning creates a deliciously rich filling that your taste buds will love.
- Versatile: You can easily customize the filling by adding other vegetables or proteins according to your preferences.
- Healthy Option: Packed with spinach, this dish offers nutritional benefits while still being indulgent and satisfying.
- Great for Meal Prep: These stuffed shells can be made ahead of time and frozen for later, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking, gather the necessary tools to make your Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe a success.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Oven mitts
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for boiling the jumbo pasta shells until they are al dente before stuffing them.
- Baking dish: A good-quality baking dish ensures even cooking and easy cleanup when baking the filled shells.
- Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining all the filling ingredients smoothly without mess.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
– 12–15 jumbo pasta shells (about 1/2 a box)
– 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)
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
How to Make Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that your Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells will cook evenly when placed in the oven.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta Shells
Boil a large pot of salted water. Once boiling, add the jumbo pasta shells. Cook them according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. Ricotta cheese
2. Half of the shredded mozzarella cheese
3. Grated Parmesan cheese
4. Egg
5. Chopped spinach
6. Minced garlic
7. Italian seasoning
8. Salt and pepper
Mix everything until well combined.
Step 4: Stuff the Pasta Shells
Take each cooked shell and carefully fill it with the ricotta mixture using a spoon or spatula. Place each filled shell in a baking dish.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Pour marinara sauce over the stuffed shells in the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top. Drizzle with olive oil if desired.
Cover with foil and bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Step 6: Serve
Once cooked, remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired for an extra touch of flavor!
How to Serve Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe
Serving your Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells can enhance the meal’s experience. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, these serving suggestions will elevate your dish.
Pair with a Fresh Salad
- Garden Salad – A mix of greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers dressed lightly in olive oil and vinegar.
- Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Parmesan cheese, croutons, and Caesar dressing adds a classic touch.
Add Garlic Bread
- Classic Garlic Bread – Toasted baguette slices spread with garlic butter for a crunchy side that complements the creamy shells.
- Cheesy Garlic Bread – Baguette topped with cheese and herbs for an indulgent twist.
Serve with Wine
- Red Wine – A light red wine like Chianti pairs well with the marinara sauce.
- White Wine – A crisp Pinot Grigio can also complement the creamy ricotta nicely.
Garnish Creatively
- Fresh Basil – Add fresh basil leaves on top for a pop of color and flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese – A sprinkle of grated Parmesan can enhance the dish’s richness.
How to Perfect Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe
To make your Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells even better, consider these helpful tips.
- Boldly Season Your Filling – Ensure your ricotta mixture has enough salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for balanced flavor.
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh spinach provides better taste than frozen; choose high-quality cheeses for creaminess.
- Boil Pasta Al Dente – Cooking pasta slightly less than fully tender helps prevent it from becoming mushy when baked.
- Layer Marinara Sauce Generously – Spread some sauce at the bottom of the baking dish to prevent sticking and add moisture.
- Cover While Baking – Initially cover your baking dish with foil to keep moisture in; remove it towards the end for browning.
- Let It Rest Before Serving – Allow the baked shells to sit for a few minutes before serving to enhance flavor development.
Best Side Dishes for Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe
Choosing the right side dishes can make your meal more satisfying. Here are some great options that pair well with your stuffed shells.
- Garlic Roasted Vegetables – A mix of seasonal veggies seasoned with garlic and herbs, roasted until tender.
- Steamed Broccoli – Lightly steamed broccoli adds vibrant color and nutrition to your plate.
- Caprese Skewers – Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze provide a refreshing bite.
- Pasta Salad – A cold pasta salad with olives, peppers, and Italian dressing is perfect for adding variety.
- Zucchini Fritters – Crispy fritters made from shredded zucchini offer a delicious veggie option alongside stuffed shells.
- Antipasto Platter – An assortment of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables creates an impressive starter.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells can be a delightful experience, but there are some common mistakes that can affect the final dish.
- Using the wrong type of cheese – Opt for fresh ricotta for creaminess. Avoid low-fat versions, as they can change the taste and texture.
- Not seasoning properly – Under-seasoning can make your dish bland. Taste your filling and adjust salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning as needed.
- Overcooking the pasta shells – Cook pasta just until al dente. They will continue cooking in the oven, so avoid mushiness by undercooking slightly.
- Skipping the marinara sauce layer – Adding sauce on the bottom prevents sticking and enhances moisture. Don’t skip this step for a better texture.
- Neglecting to let it cool before serving – Letting the dish rest for a few minutes allows flavors to meld and makes serving easier.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Consume within 3-4 days for best freshness.
Freezing Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe
- Place in a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap.
- Use within 2-3 months for optimal quality.
Reheating Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and bake for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
- Microwave – Place in a microwave-safe dish. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until warm.
- Stovetop – In a skillet over low heat, add a splash of marinara sauce and cover. Heat gently until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good side dish for Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells?
A fresh salad or garlic bread pairs well to balance the richness of the stuffed shells.
Can I use frozen spinach for Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before using to avoid excess moisture.
How do I make Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells healthier?
You can incorporate more vegetables into the filling or opt for whole wheat pasta shells for added nutrition.
Can I prepare Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble them ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells combine creamy cheese with comforting flavors, making them perfect for family dinners or gatherings. This recipe is versatile; feel free to customize it with different herbs or add your favorite veggies. Give it a try — you’ll love how satisfying it is!
Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 (8 stuffed shells per serving) 1x
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells, a delightful dish that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. These jumbo pasta shells are generously filled with a creamy ricotta and fresh spinach mixture, then baked in marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Not only is this recipe easy to prepare, but it also allows for customization based on your preferences. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a cozy night at home, this dish promises to impress everyone at the 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
- Garlic
- Italian seasoning
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Boil salted water in a large pot; cook pasta shells until al dente. Drain and cool.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, half the mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, spinach, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff each shell with the filling and place them in a baking dish.
- Pour marinara sauce over stuffed shells; sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes; remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until golden.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells (approx. 200g)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
