Imagine biting into a large, pillowy pasta shell filled with a creamy spinach and ricotta mixture, all smothered in rich marinara sauce. The flavors dance on your tongue, while the aroma wafts through the kitchen, making it hard to resist. This Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe is like a warm hug in food form, perfect for any cozy dinner or family gathering.
I remember the first time I made this dish: it was a rainy Saturday afternoon, and I needed something to lift my spirits. After raiding the fridge and finding some leftover spinach and ricotta, I decided to give it a go. As soon as the shells came out of the oven, my family gathered around—like moths to a flame—and I knew I had struck gold. You’ll want to have this recipe close at hand for those chilly nights when you need comfort food that’s easy to whip up yet impressive enough to wow guests.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe makes meal prep effortless and delicious
- You can easily customize the filling based on your taste preferences or ingredients on hand
- Visually stunning with its vibrant colors and delightful aromas, this dish will make you the star of any dinner table
- Perfect for weeknight meals but fancy enough for entertaining guests
Ingredients for Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Jumbo Pasta Shells: These oversized shells are perfect for holding all that creamy goodness inside.
Ricotta Cheese: Use fresh ricotta for a creamy texture that melds beautifully with spinach.
Fresh Spinach: Baby spinach works best; just wash, chop, and you’re good to go!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a sharp flavor that complements the richness of ricotta.
Marinara Sauce: The right sauce can elevate this dish; opt for homemade or store-bought as per your convenience.
Garlic: Fresh garlic brings an aromatic punch that perfectly enhances the filling.
Egg: An egg binds everything together while adding richness; don’t skip it!
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings a classic Italian flavor profile into play.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe
Prepare the Pasta Shells
Begin by boiling water in a large pot. Once boiling, add salt and gently toss in the jumbo pasta shells. Cook until al dente according to package instructions—typically about 9-11 minutes—then drain them and set aside.
Make the Filling
In a skillet over medium heat, sauté minced garlic until fragrant—about one minute—then toss in chopped fresh spinach until wilted. Once cooled slightly, mix in ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, an egg, and Italian seasoning until well combined.
Stuff the Shells
Take each cooked pasta shell and fill it generously with your spinach-ricotta mixture using either a spoon or piping bag if you’re feeling fancy. Place each stuffed shell upright in an oven-safe dish coated with marinara sauce.
Add Sauce and Cheese
Once all shells are stuffed and nestled in their saucy bed, pour additional marinara sauce over them generously—don’t be shy! Then sprinkle more grated Parmesan on top for an irresistible golden crust once baked.
Bake Until Golden
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with aluminum foil (shiny side down) to keep moisture in while baking for about 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Serve with Love
When they come out of the oven hot enough to make you do a little dance around the kitchen (trust me), let them cool for five minutes before serving. Pair with garlic bread or a fresh salad for an unforgettable dining experience!
There you have it—the Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe that will not only fill bellies but also warm hearts! Enjoy every cheesy bite knowing you’ve created something delightful without too much fuss!
You Must Know
- This delightful spinach and ricotta stuffed shells recipe combines comfort food with a touch of elegance
- It’s an easy dish to whip up on a busy weeknight or to impress guests at a dinner party
- The creamy filling and hearty pasta shells guarantee satisfaction every time
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best results, start by boiling your pasta shells until they are al dente, then prepare the spinach and ricotta mixture while your shells cool. Finally, layer everything in a baking dish with sauce, and pop it in the oven for that bubbly finish.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize this spinach and ricotta stuffed shells recipe by adding cooked sausage or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor. You could swap in different cheeses like mozzarella for a gooey texture or even add some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, ensuring you cover them with foil to prevent drying.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect stuffed shells, make sure not to overcook the pasta; it should be slightly firm
- Use fresh spinach instead of frozen for better flavor and texture
- When layering sauce, don’t skimp; it keeps everything moist and delicious
The first time I made this spinach and ricotta stuffed shells recipe, my friends declared me a culinary genius! They devoured every last shell and even asked for seconds. It was one of those moments that made me feel like I should wear a chef’s hat all day long.
FAQs :
What ingredients do I need for the Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe?
To prepare the Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe, you’ll need large pasta shells, ricotta cheese, fresh spinach, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic, marinara sauce, salt, and pepper. These ingredients combine to create a rich filling that complements the pasta beautifully. You can customize the recipe by adding herbs like basil or oregano for extra flavor. Ensure all ingredients are fresh to achieve the best taste. Preparing your ingredients ahead of time can also make the cooking process smoother.
How long does it take to prepare Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells?
The total time for making Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells is approximately 60 minutes. This includes about 20 minutes for preparation and another 40 minutes for baking. First, you will cook the pasta shells until they are al dente. While they cool, prepare the filling with ricotta and spinach. After stuffing the shells with this mixture, place them in a baking dish topped with marinara sauce and mozzarella before baking. This makes it an excellent option for a cozy weeknight dinner.
Can I freeze Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells?
Yes, you can freeze Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells before or after baking. To freeze them uncooked, assemble the stuffed shells in a baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store them in the freezer. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove them from the freezer and add extra baking time as needed. If frozen after baking, allow them to cool completely before wrapping tightly. This method preserves their flavor and texture well.
What can I serve with Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells?
Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells pair wonderfully with various side dishes. A simple green salad dressed with olive oil and vinegar complements the richness of the stuffed shells nicely. Garlic bread is another classic option that adds crunch and flavor to your meal. For a heartier choice, consider serving steamed vegetables like broccoli or zucchini on the side. These options not only enhance your meal but also offer a well-rounded dining experience.
Conclusion for Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe :
In summary, making Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells is both easy and rewarding. With fresh ingredients like ricotta cheese and spinach combined in large pasta shells, this dish brings comfort food to another level. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe will surely impress everyone at your table. Don’t forget that you can customize it based on your preferences or dietary needs. Enjoy this delicious meal that’s sure to become a household favorite!
Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells are a comforting and satisfying dish that features jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy blend of ricotta cheese and fresh spinach, all topped with rich marinara sauce. This delightful recipe is perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing guests at gatherings. With its vibrant flavors and cheesy goodness, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the jumbo shells until al dente (9-11 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled spinach, ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Generously stuff each cooked shell with the spinach-ricotta mixture and place them upright in an oven-safe dish coated with marinara sauce.
- Pour additional marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with more grated Parmesan.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 stuffed shells (approximately 250g)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
