Soups & Stews
Comfort Food Classic: Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Looking for a hearty, satisfying meal that the whole family will love? Look no further than our Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells! This Italian-American favorite is surprisingly easy to make and delivers big on flavor. Jumbo pasta shells are generously filled with a creamy, cheesy mixture of ricotta, spinach, and Parmesan, then bathed in a rich marinara sauce and baked to bubbly perfection.
This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or even a special occasion. It’s also a great make-ahead meal – assemble the shells ahead of time and bake when you’re ready to eat. The combination of textures – the tender pasta, the smooth ricotta filling, and the vibrant sauce – is simply irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Family-Friendly: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for all ages.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps and readily available ingredients.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Save time by assembling ahead.
- Comfort Food at its Finest: Warm, cheesy, and satisfying.
Tips for the Best Stuffed Shells:
- Don’t Overcook the Shells: They should be al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
- Squeeze the Spinach Dry: This prevents a watery filling.
- Use Full-Fat Ricotta: It provides the best flavor and texture.
- Generously Sauce the Shells: Ensure they are well-covered to prevent drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, absolutely! Just be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out all the excess moisture. This is crucial to prevent a soggy filling.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! This recipe is naturally vegetarian. Just ensure your marinara sauce is also vegetarian-friendly.
Q: Can I freeze stuffed shells?
Yes! Assemble the shells, but don’t bake them. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Q: What kind of marinara sauce should I use?
Use your favorite! A good quality jarred marinara sauce works great, or you can make your own from scratch.
Q: Can I add meat to the filling?
Certainly! Cooked and crumbled Italian sausage or ground beef would be a delicious addition to the ricotta mixture.
Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Ingredients
- 1 box jumbo pasta shells
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 egg large, beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 24 oz marinara sauce
Instructions
- Cook pasta shells according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, spinach, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, salt, and pepper.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Stuff each pasta shell with the ricotta mixture and arrange in the baking dish.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through.
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