Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Why Make This Recipe

Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells are a perfect dish for anyone who loves pasta with a twist. This recipe packs in the goodness of spinach and creamy ricotta cheese, making it a delicious and nutritious meal. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but fancy enough for entertaining guests. You can delight in comforting flavors while nourishing your body.

How to Make Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Ingredients:

• 20 jumbo pasta shells
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped spinach until wilted.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, 1/2 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the wilted spinach.
5. Stuff each cooked shell with the ricotta and spinach mixture.
6. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells on top. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella.
7. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly.
8. Let cool slightly before serving.

How to Serve Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Serve your Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells hot from the oven. You can pair them with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top before serving adds an extra touch of flavor.

How to Store Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Once cooked, you can store leftover Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven or microwave until warmed throughout.

Tips to Make Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

• Make sure to cook the pasta shells just until al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
• Feel free to add herbs like basil or oregano to enhance the flavor.
• If you like a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes to the ricotta mixture.

Variation

You can easily change this recipe by adding cooked ground meat or sausage to the ricotta mixture for a hearty option. For a vegan version, substitute vegan cheese and leave out the egg.

FAQs

Can I use fresh or frozen spinach?
You can use either fresh or frozen spinach. If using frozen, make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the mixture.

What else can I add to the filling?
You can add other ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or different cheeses for varied flavors.

How can I make it ahead of time?
You can prepare the stuffed shells and assemble them in the baking dish, then cover and refrigerate them. They can be baked the next day; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

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