Easy Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Indulge in the classic flavors of Italy with these Easy Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells. This delightful dish combines creamy ricotta, fresh spinach, and gooey cheese, all enveloped in jumbo pasta shells and topped with marinara sauce. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this recipe offers a comforting taste of home that everyone will love.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Stuffed Shells
• For Garnish
• How to Make Easy Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Cook the Pasta Shells
• Step 3: Prepare the Filling
• Step 4: Assemble the Dish
• Step 5: Bake
• Step 6: Serve
• How to Serve Easy Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells
• Pair with Garlic Bread
• Fresh Green Salad
• Wine Selection
• Grated Parmesan
• Roasted Vegetables
• Sautéed Greens
• How to Perfect Easy Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells
• Best Side Dishes for Easy Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Easy Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells
• Reheating Easy Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I make Easy Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells ahead of time?
• What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
• Can I use frozen spinach for this recipe?
• How do I prevent my stuffed shells from breaking?
• What should I serve with Easy Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With a total time of just 55 minutes, you can whip up this delicious meal without spending all day in the kitchen.
• Family-Friendly: The cheesy filling and pasta shells make it appealing for both kids and adults, ensuring everyone leaves the table satisfied.
• Versatile Dish: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a holiday gathering, these stuffed shells fit any occasion perfectly.
• Make Ahead Option: You can assemble the dish a day in advance, allowing for stress-free entertaining.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of ricotta, spinach, and marinara sauce creates a rich flavor profile that is hard to resist.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, gather these essential tools before you start.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Baking dish
• Aluminum foil

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for boiling the jumbo pasta shells evenly until al dente.
• Skillet: Perfect for sautéing garlic and spinach, enhancing their flavors before mixing with other ingredients.
• Baking dish: Keeps your assembled stuffed shells organized while they bake to perfection.

Ingredients

For the Stuffed Shells

• 12 jumbo pasta shells
• 1½ 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

For Garnish

• Fresh basil or parsley

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How to Make Easy Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your stuffed shells cook evenly as they bake.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta Shells

In a large pot of boiling salted water:
1. Cook the jumbo pasta shells until al dente according to package instructions.
2. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

In a skillet over medium heat:
1. Heat olive oil.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes).
3. Stir in chopped spinach and cook until wilted if using fresh spinach or heated through if using frozen.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, egg, nutmeg (if using), and the sautéed spinach mixture. Mix well until incorporated.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

In a baking dish:
1. Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom.
2. Carefully stuff each cooked pasta shell with the cheese and spinach mixture.
3. Place them seam-side up in the baking dish.
4. Pour remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with additional mozzarella cheese.

Step 5: Bake

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil:
1. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
2. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 6: Serve

Garnish your stuffed shells with fresh basil or parsley:
Serve warm alongside garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal!

How to Serve Easy Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells

These Easy Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells are not just delicious on their own; they can be paired with various accompaniments to elevate your meal. Here are some serving suggestions that will complement the rich flavors of the stuffed shells.

Pair with Garlic Bread

• Garlic Bread: A classic choice, garlic bread adds a crunchy texture and buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with marinara sauce.

Fresh Green Salad

• Fresh Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette will balance the richness of the stuffed shells.

Wine Selection

• Wine Selection: Consider serving a glass of Chianti or Sauvignon Blanc. These wines enhance the Italian flavors beautifully.

Grated Parmesan

• Grated Parmesan: Offer extra grated parmesan at the table for those who love an extra cheesy touch.

Roasted Vegetables

• Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted seasonal vegetables adds nutrients and complements the dish’s creamy filling.

Sautéed Greens

• Sautéed Greens: Serve sautéed kale or Swiss chard as a nutritious side that pairs well with the flavors of spinach and ricotta.

How to Perfect Easy Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells

To make your Easy Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells truly exceptional, follow these simple tips. They will help you achieve the best results every time you prepare this comforting dish.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh ricotta cheese and high-quality marinara sauce can significantly enhance flavor.
• Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cook pasta shells al dente to ensure they hold their shape when filled.
• Add Herbs: Incorporate fresh herbs like basil or parsley into your filling for added freshness.
• Experiment with Cheese: Mix in different cheeses, such as feta or goat cheese, for unique flavor profiles.
• Cool Before Filling: Allow the filling to cool slightly before stuffing to prevent soggy pasta shells.
• Cover While Baking: Covering the dish while baking ensures even cooking and prevents drying out.

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Best Side Dishes for Easy Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells

When planning a meal around your Easy Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells, selecting the right side dishes can enhance your dining experience. Here are some fantastic options to consider:

1. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic reduction complement the stuffed shells beautifully.
2. Italian Antipasto Platter: An assortment of olives, cured meats, and cheeses offers variety and depth alongside your main dish.
3. Risotto: A creamy mushroom risotto works well as a hearty side that pairs nicely with marinara sauce.
4. Zucchini Noodles: Lightly sautéed zucchini noodles provide a low-carb option that still feels indulgent.
5. Stuffed Bell Peppers: For a colorful presentation, serve stuffed bell peppers filled with grains and vegetables as an alternative side.
6. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes and basil makes for a fresh appetizer that sets the tone for your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Easy Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells, it’s easy to overlook a few details. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:

• Skipping the salt in pasta water: Always add salt to the boiling water before cooking the pasta shells. This enhances the flavor of the shells themselves.
• Overfilling the shells: Stuff each shell gently without overfilling. This prevents spills and ensures even baking.
• Not preheating the oven: Always preheat your oven to ensure that your stuffed shells cook evenly and thoroughly.
• Using cold ingredients: Make sure your ricotta and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother filling. Cold ingredients can affect texture.
• Neglecting to cover while baking: Covering the dish with foil for part of the baking process helps keep moisture in, preventing dry shells.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Easy Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells

• Place assembled but uncooked shells in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Easy Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and bake for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe dish for 2-3 minutes on high, checking periodically.
• Stovetop: Heat on low in a skillet with a splash of marinara sauce until warmed through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Easy Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish a day in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.

What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?

You can use cottage cheese or cream cheese as alternatives, though they may change the flavor slightly.

Can I use frozen spinach for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and thoroughly drain it before using.

How do I prevent my stuffed shells from breaking?

Ensure that you cook your pasta shells al dente and handle them gently when stuffing.

What should I serve with Easy Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells?

Pair them with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Easy Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells offer creamy comfort that everyone will love. This versatile dish allows for plenty of customization—try adding different vegetables or spices according to your taste. Don’t hesitate; give this delicious recipe a try today!