Description
Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells are a delicious and comforting Italian-inspired dish. Jumbo pasta shells are stuffed with a creamy ricotta and spinach filling, smothered in marinara sauce, and baked to golden perfection with melted mozzarella cheese. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or meal prep for the week!
Ingredients
For the Shells and Filling:
20 jumbo pasta shells
2 cups ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen, thawed, and drained)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Sauce and Baking:
2 cups marinara sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook jumbo pasta shells until al dente (about 1-2 minutes less than package instructions).
- Drain and rinse under cool water to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, parmesan, egg, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Chop the fresh spinach (or squeeze excess moisture from frozen spinach) and mix into the filling.
- Stir until well combined.
- Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Fill the Shells:
- Spoon or pipe the spinach-ricotta filling into each cooked shell.
- Arrange the stuffed shells in the baking dish over the marinara sauce.
- Add Sauce and Cheese:
- Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the shells.
- Sprinkle additional shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake the Shells:
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Pasta, Vegetarian