Delight your family with these creamy Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells. This dish offers a rich blend of flavors from the cheese-filled pasta to the savory marinara sauce, making it perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy meal or something a bit more refined, this recipe will not disappoint.
Introduction: A Comforting Italian Tradition
Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells bring the comfort and tradition of Italian cuisine to your table with minimal effort. The creamy texture of ricotta, combined with the freshness of spinach and the richness of marinara sauce, results in an unforgettable dish. This easy-to-make recipe showcases classic flavors in a new light, making it perfect for fans of both traditional pasta dishes and comforting casseroles. You can serve this dish at casual family dinners or impress your guests at a special gathering.
- Tip: For a touch of authenticity, try using fresh homemade marinara sauce or experimenting with flavored ricottas.
Check out this ultimate guide on how to make your own marinara sauce!
Ingredients for Easy Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 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
How to Make Easy Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells – Step by Step
Step1: Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- If using fresh spinach, wash and finely chop it. For frozen spinach, ensure it’s fully thawed and squeeze out any excess water.
Step2: Cook the Pasta Shells
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the jumbo pasta shells until al dente. Drain and set them aside.
Step3: Prepare the Filling
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the spinach and cook until wilted or heated through if using frozen spinach. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, egg, nutmeg, and the spinach mixture. Mix until well combined.
Step4: Assemble the Dish
- Spread a layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of a baking dish.
- Stuff each pasta shell with the ricotta and spinach mixture and place them seam side up in the baking dish.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle extra mozzarella on top.
Step5: Bake
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil 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.
Step6: Serve
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells!
Helpful Tips for Easy Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh spinach and ricotta to enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.
- Nutmeg Option: Adding a dash of nutmeg to the filling will elevate the taste of the ricotta, making it a bit more aromatic.
- Customizable Filling: Feel free to swap out spinach for kale or chard for a different flavor profile.
Cooking Tips for the Best Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells
- Al Dente Perfection: Be careful not to overcook the pasta shells. Cooking them al dente helps maintain their shape when stuffed and baked.
- Sauce Distribution: Make sure to evenly distribute the marinara sauce so that every shell is coated well.
- Cover with Foil: Covering the dish with foil initially prevents the cheese from browning too quickly while allowing the filling to heat evenly.
Serving Suggestions for Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad and crusty garlic bread. You can also serve it alongside a glass of light red wine, such as Chianti, to balance the richness of the cheese and sauce.
- Wine Pairing: Try serving with a light red wine for a classic Italian dining experience.
- Side Options: A fresh Caprese salad or a warm loaf of garlic bread will complete the meal beautifully.
Nutritional Information for Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Per Serving:
- Calories: 425 kcal
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 18g
- Calcium: 40% Daily Value
Enjoy the nutritious blend of calcium-rich cheeses, vitamins from spinach, and energy-boosting carbohydrates.
Storage and Leftovers for Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells
To store leftovers, place the shells in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. For reheating, cover with aluminum foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, microwave in individual portions.
- Freezing Tip: You can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells
- Can I use frozen spinach for this recipe? Yes, frozen spinach works great! Just ensure it’s thawed and well-drained.
- Can I prepare the stuffed shells ahead of time? Absolutely! You can assemble the dish a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
- How do I prevent the shells from sticking together? Toss the cooked pasta shells with a bit of olive oil to keep them from sticking.
- Can I substitute the ricotta cheese with another type of cheese? Yes, cottage cheese or cream cheese are good alternatives if you’re out of ricotta.
Related Recipes for Spinach & Ricotta Lovers
For more Italian-inspired meals, check out these:
Conclusion: Try This Easy Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells Today!
With its perfect balance of flavors, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or a weekend feast, Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells is a recipe you’ll return to time and again. Let us know how it turns out in the comments below, and don’t forget to share any personal variations you try!
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Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe – Easy & Delicious
Description
Delight your family with these creamy Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells. This dish offers a rich blend of flavors from the cheese-filled pasta to the savory marinara sauce, making it perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy meal or something a bit more refined, this recipe will not disappoint.
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 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
Step 1: Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- If using fresh spinach, wash and finely chop it. For frozen spinach, ensure it’s fully thawed and squeeze out any excess water.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta Shells
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the jumbo pasta shells until al dente. Drain and set them aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the spinach and cook until wilted or heated through if using frozen spinach. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, egg, nutmeg, and the spinach mixture. Mix until well combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
- Spread a layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of a baking dish.
- Stuff each pasta shell with the ricotta and spinach mixture and place them seam side up in the baking dish.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle extra mozzarella on top.
Step 5: Bake
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil 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.
Step 6: Serve
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells!
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 Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh spinach and ricotta to enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.
- Nutmeg Option: Adding a dash of nutmeg to the filling will elevate the taste of the ricotta, making it a bit more aromatic.
- Customizable Filling: Feel free to swap out spinach for kale or chard for a different flavor profile.
