Description
Hello there, food lovers! Today, we’re diving into a creamy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying recipe that will have your taste buds dancing. If you’re looking for a comforting dish that’s both rich in flavor and easy to prepare, you’re in the right place. Let’s cook up some Creamy Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Jumbo Shells, a dish that’s sure to impress whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself!
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, optional
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (plus extra for topping)
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (or ½ cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- If using fresh spinach, wash and chop it finely. If using frozen spinach, ensure it’s thawed and squeeze out any excess water.
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the jumbo pasta shells until they’re al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the spinach and cook until wilted (if using fresh) or heated through (if using frozen). Season with salt and pepper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, egg, nutmeg, and the sautéed spinach mixture. Mix until well combined.
- Spread a layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of a baking dish.
- Carefully stuff each pasta shell with the cheese and spinach mixture and place them seam side up in the dish.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle additional mozzarella on top.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Equipment

2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Choose your spinach: Fresh or frozen spinach both work well for this recipe. Just make sure to properly drain frozen spinach to avoid excess water in the filling.
- Cheese variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like ricotta salata or even add a bit of goat cheese for a tangy twist.
- Stuffing the shells: Using a small spoon or piping bag can help make stuffing the shells easier and less messy.