Irresistible Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe

Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe is the ultimate comfort food that will have your taste buds doing a happy dance. Imagine plump pasta shells cradling a creamy, cheesy mixture of ricotta and spinach, all smothered in tangy marinara sauce. The aroma wafting through your kitchen is nothing short of heavenly, making it hard to resist sneaking just one more shell before dinner even begins.

If there’s one dish that transports me back to family gatherings and cozy evenings, it’s this Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe. I remember my grandma in her apron, expertly stuffing shells while we kids fought over who got to lick the spatula. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, celebrations, or even a delightful weeknight treat. Get ready for an explosion of flavor that will keep you coming back for seconds (or thirds)!

Ingredients for Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: Use about 20-30 shells depending on how stuffed you want them; these are crucial for holding all that cheesy goodness.
• Ricotta Cheese: A key player in this recipe; opt for whole milk ricotta for the creamiest filling.
• Fresh Spinach: About 4 cups will do; fresh leaves provide the best flavor and vibrant color.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grate it fresh if possible; it adds depth to the filling and top layer.

For the Sauce:

• Marinara Sauce: Store-bought works fine, but homemade is always a winner if you’re feeling adventurous.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves minced up will elevate your sauce from good to incredible—don’t skip this!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, grab a baking dish (9×13 inches works well) and spray it with nonstick cooking spray so your shells don’t stick like they’re auditioning for a pasta commercial.

Step 2: Cook Those Shells

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook those jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. You want them firm enough to hold their shape but soft enough to stuff. Drain them carefully—no one wants broken shells!

Step 3: Make the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, chopped fresh spinach (lightly sautéed if you prefer), grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Stir it all together until everything is mixed well. This filling should be so luscious you might be tempted to eat it straight out of the bowl.

Step 4: Stuff Those Shells

Once your shells are cool enough to handle (you don’t want burnt fingers), take about two tablespoons of filling per shell and gently stuff each one until they are filled generously but not overflowing like an overstuffed suitcase.

Step 5: Assemble Your Dish

Spread half of your marinara sauce on the bottom of your baking dish. Place the stuffed shells seam-side up in the dish like they’re getting ready for a spa day. Then pour the remaining marinara sauce over them lovingly—like you’re giving them a warm hug.

Step 6: Bake Away

Cover your dish with aluminum foil and pop it into the preheated oven for about 25 minutes. After that time has passed, throw caution to the wind by removing the foil and sprinkling some extra Parmesan on top before returning it to bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Serve hot with some crusty bread on the side—perfect for mopping up any extra sauce! And there you have it—the ultimate Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe that’s sure to impress everyone at your table! Enjoy every cheesy bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling the pasta shells while you mix the filling. Once cooked, prepare your marinara sauce. Layer it in a baking dish, fill the shells with your spinach and ricotta mixture, top with sauce and cheese, then bake to perfection.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out spinach for kale or add some sun-dried tomatoes for an extra zing. You can also experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or feta to customize the filling to your taste.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F until heated through, ensuring they stay deliciously cheesy.

Sharing this recipe reminds me of the first time I made it for my family—everyone’s eyes lit up when they took their first bite! It was definitely a hit that led to requests for seconds—and thirds!

FAQs :

What ingredients are needed for the Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe?

To prepare the Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe, you will need jumbo pasta shells, ricotta cheese, fresh spinach, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic, marinara sauce, and various seasonings like salt and pepper. These ingredients come together to create a delicious filling that combines the creamy texture of ricotta with the nutritious benefits of spinach. For a flavorful twist, consider adding herbs like basil or oregano to enhance the dish further.

How do you cook the spinach for the stuffed shells?

Cooking the spinach for your Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe is simple. Start by washing fresh spinach thoroughly to remove any dirt. Then, heat a pan over medium heat with a little olive oil. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Next, add the spinach to the pan and sauté until wilted. This process usually takes about two to three minutes. Once cooked, let it cool before mixing it with ricotta and other ingredients for stuffing.

Can I prepare Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells in advance?

Yes, you can prepare Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells in advance. Assemble the dish by stuffing the shells with the ricotta mixture and placing them in a baking dish. Cover with marinara sauce and cheese before wrapping tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it an excellent option for meal prep or entertaining guests while ensuring a delicious homemade meal is ready to go.

What are some variations of Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells?

There are several delicious variations of Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe you can try. One option is to add cooked ground meat like sausage or turkey to the filling for extra protein. Alternatively, mix in sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts for added flavor and texture. You could also experiment with different cheeses such as feta or goat cheese instead of ricotta for a unique twist on this classic dish.

Conclusion for Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe :

Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells are a delightful combination of flavors that make for a comforting meal. By using fresh ingredients like spinach, ricotta, and mozzarella cheese, you create a nutritious dish that’s also appealing to the eye. Whether preparing it ahead of time or serving it right after baking, this recipe is versatile enough for any occasion. Enjoying these stuffed shells can bring family together around the dinner table while providing a satisfying culinary experience that everyone will love.

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Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

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Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells are a creamy, cheesy delight that combines jumbo pasta shells filled with a rich ricotta and spinach mixture, all enveloped in tangy marinara sauce. This comforting dish is perfect for family dinners or special occasions, offering an explosion of flavor in every bite. Easy to prepare and sure to impress, these stuffed shells will become a go-to favorite for both weeknight meals and festive gatherings.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Serves 6 (approximately 6 stuffed shells per batch) 1x
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 20 jumbo pasta shells
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. Cook the jumbo pasta shells in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain carefully.
3. In a bowl, mix ricotta, chopped spinach, half of the Parmesan, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff each shell with about 2 tablespoons of the filling.
5. Spread half of the marinara sauce in the baking dish and arrange stuffed shells seam-side up. Pour remaining sauce over shells.
6. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese and cover with foil. Bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 stuffed shell (135g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 610mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: - For added flavor, sauté spinach with olive oil before mixing it into the filling.- Substitute kale for spinach or add sun-dried tomatoes for extra zing.- For meal prep, assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate before baking.