Go Back
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the heartwarming allure of stuffed pasta shells. These delightful creations, typically filled with savory mixtures and baked in a rich sauce, have garnered a reputation for being not just delicious but also incredibly satisfying. Among the myriad of fillings available, a combination of spinach and ricotta stands out for its balance of health and flavor, making it a perfect option for family dinners or meal prep. This recipe for Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells is designed to cater to both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike, demonstrating that creating a wholesome and indulgent meal doesn't have to be complicated.

Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells – A Healthy Veggie Dinner

Looking for a delightful pasta dish that's easy to make? Try these Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells! Filled with creamy ricotta and fresh spinach, then topped with marinara and ooey-gooey mozzarella, they’re sure to impress. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a family gathering, this recipe is quick to prepare and incredibly satisfying. Get ready to dig in and enjoy a hearty meal that’s both delicious and comforting!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

20 jumbo pasta shells

15 oz ricotta cheese

1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)

1 egg, beaten

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

    Cook the Pasta Shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.

      Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, half of the mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.

        Stuff the Shells: Take each cooked pasta shell and fill them generously with the ricotta and spinach mixture. Place the stuffed shells upright in a greased baking dish.

          Add Marinara Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring each shell is well-coated. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top.

            Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (to prevent the cheese from browning too much) and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

              Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving for an extra touch of flavor.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 45 minutes | 4 servings