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Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe - Easy & Delicious

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

Scale

  • 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

Notes

  • 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.

Find it online: https://optimalrecipes.com/spinach-ricotta-stuffed-shells-recipe-easy-delicious/