Easy and Fast! Creamy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
If you're looking for a delicious, hearty, and comforting dish that combines ricotta's creamy richness with spinach's earthy flavors, then Creamy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells are the perfect choice.
This classic Italian-inspired meal is great for weeknight dinners and impressive enough for special occasions. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to prepare!
Why You'll Love This Dish
The combination of tender pasta shells, rich ricotta, and fresh spinach creates a balanced and satisfying meal.
Bring Authentic Italian Flavors to Your Kitchen – Explore the Best Italian Recipe Books!
These stuffed shells can be prepared ahead of time, making them perfect for meal prepping or entertaining. Not to mention, they’re a hit with both adults and kids alike.
Ingredients You'll Need
To make these creamy spinach and ricotta stuffed shells, you'll need a few key ingredients:
- Jumbo pasta shells: The perfect vessel for holding the rich, creamy filling.
- Ricotta cheese: Adds a light and fluffy texture to the filling.
- Fresh spinach: Gives the dish a healthy and vibrant green touch.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully on top for that ooey-gooey finish.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty flavor to enhance the dish.
- Marinara sauce: A tangy and flavorful base to complement the richness of the filling.
- Garlic: Infuses the filling with a savory depth.
- Egg: Helps bind the ricotta mixture together.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that bring everything together.
Step-by-Step Recipe
1. Prepare the Ingredients
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Begin by cooking the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions, but be sure to undercook them slightly (al dente) since they'll continue cooking in the oven.
Drain and set them aside to cool.
Next, sauté the fresh spinach in a little olive oil and garlic until wilted, then set it aside to cool. Once cool, squeeze out any excess moisture from the spinach and chop it finely.
2. Make the Ricotta Filling
In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, egg, garlic, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
Stir the ingredients together until well-mixed and smooth. This filling will be the heart of your dish, bringing a creamy and savory flavor to every bite.
3. Stuff the Shells
Once your shells have cooled, use a spoon to stuff each shell generously with the ricotta and spinach mixture.
Place each stuffed shell into a baking dish that has been coated with a layer of marinara sauce.
4. Assemble and Bake
Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, making sure each one is covered. Top with shredded mozzarella and a little more
Parmesan for that golden, cheesy crust. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Once the shells are done baking, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for an added touch of freshness.
What to Serve with this dish
To complete the meal, consider pairing these creamy stuffed shells with a few side dishes that complement the rich flavors. Here are some ideas:
- Garlic Bread: Crispy, buttery garlic bread is a classic pairing for any Italian-style pasta dish.
- Mixed Green Salad: A light, tangy salad with a lemon vinaigrette can balance the richness of the stuffed shells.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli for a hearty, nutritious side.
Tips for Perfect Stuffed Shells
- Use fresh spinach for the best flavor and texture. While frozen spinach works in a pinch, fresh gives a brighter, more vibrant flavor.
- Undercook your pasta shells slightly so they don’t become mushy during baking.
- Make ahead: You can assemble the shells a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Simply bake them when you're ready to serve.
- Double the recipe and freeze half for a convenient, ready-made meal on busy nights.
Variations and Additions
Looking to mix things up? Here are a few ways you can tweak the recipe to suit your taste:
- Add Italian sausage: Browned Italian sausage can be added to the ricotta mixture for a heartier dish.
- Use other greens: Try swapping the spinach for kale or Swiss chard for a different flavor.
- Go meatless: Skip the marinara sauce and use a creamy Alfredo sauce for a more indulgent version.
Creamy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells are a comforting, family-friendly meal that feels indulgent yet balanced.
The combination of creamy ricotta, nutritious spinach, and hearty pasta shells will satisfy any pasta lover’s craving. With a simple assembly process and versatile ingredients, this dish is bound to become a regular in your dinner rotation.
Enjoy this delicious meal, and remember to experiment with your favorite ingredients to make it uniquely yours!
Now You Can Enjoy This Video with Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Pasta Shells Recipe
Other Recipes You’ll Love 😍