These Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells offer a hearty and flavorful meal that’s both comforting and satisfying. The creamy ricotta filling, paired with the delicate spinach, offers the perfect balance of textures, and the marinara sauce adds a bright, savory touch to each bite.
Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in, this dish is not only delicious but also easy to make. It’s a great option for a vegetarian main course that even non-vegetarians will love. The melted mozzarella and Parmesan on top make each serving irresistible. Customize it by adding extra veggies or using a different cheese to suit your taste preferences!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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12 large pasta shells
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2 cups ricotta cheese
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1 cup spinach, chopped
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
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1 egg
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1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
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2 cups marinara sauce
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, Parmesan, mozzarella, egg, and basil. Season with salt and pepper.
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Fill each cooked pasta shell with the ricotta-spinach mixture.
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Pour a layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish, and arrange the stuffed shells on top.
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Spoon additional marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
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Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.
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Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes to brown the cheese on top.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 420 kcal
Servings: 4 servings
The Origins of Stuffed Shells
Stuffed shells, or “conchiglie ripiene,” as they are known in Italy, are a type of pasta that are larger than most varieties, allowing them to be stuffed with various fillings. While the dish has its origins in Italy, the version with ricotta and spinach became popular in the United States, particularly in Italian-American communities. Italian immigrants who settled in the U.S. embraced the idea of stuffing pasta shells as a way to make use of affordable ingredients while still creating a hearty, flavorful dish. Over time, this dish has become a staple in many households, especially for Sunday dinners or family gatherings.
Why Spinach and Ricotta?
The combination of spinach and ricotta is a match made in heaven. Ricotta, with its light, creamy texture, pairs perfectly with the slightly earthy, fresh taste of spinach. Together, they create a filling that is rich yet balanced, offering a burst of flavor with each bite. This pairing is not only delicious but also offers a healthy component, as spinach is packed with vitamins, iron, and antioxidants. The creamy ricotta enhances the texture of the spinach, making each bite smooth and indulgent, while the addition of a bit of mozzarella and Parmesan ensures the dish is cheesy and comforting.
Popular Variations of Stuffed Shells
While spinach and ricotta stuffed shells are a classic combination, there are many ways to customize this dish based on dietary preferences and taste. Here are a few popular variations:
1. Meat Lovers Stuffed Shells
For those who prefer meat in their dishes, adding ground beef or Italian sausage to the ricotta and spinach filling is a great option. The savory flavor of the meat adds depth to the dish, making it even more hearty and satisfying. Some versions use a combination of meat and vegetables for a more balanced filling.
2. Vegan Stuffed Shells
If you’re following a vegan diet, there are easy substitutions to make this dish plant-based. Swap the ricotta cheese for a vegan version made from tofu or cashews. Vegan mozzarella and Parmesan can also be used to achieve the same creamy, cheesy texture that the traditional dish is known for.
3. Pesto Stuffed Shells
For a different twist on the classic, you can add pesto to the ricotta filling. This will infuse the dish with fresh basil and garlic flavors, creating a more vibrant, herbaceous taste. You can either blend the pesto directly into the ricotta mixture or spoon it into the shells as a layer along with the spinach.
4. Stuffed Shells with Roasted Vegetables
To add more flavor and texture, consider adding roasted vegetables to the ricotta-spinach filling. Roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant pair wonderfully with the creamy filling and give the dish extra layers of flavor. This variation is great for those who enjoy more vegetables in their meals.
5. Cheesy Alfredo Stuffed Shells
If you love extra cheese, an Alfredo version of stuffed shells might be your go-to. Mixing ricotta with Alfredo sauce creates a decadently creamy filling, while a generous layer of mozzarella on top gives the dish a gooey, cheesy finish. This variation takes comfort food to the next level, ideal for cheese lovers.
The Appeal of Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
What makes spinach and ricotta stuffed shells so appealing is their versatility. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing a simple family meal, this dish is easy to scale up or down. It’s the kind of dish that can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer, making it perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights.
Moreover, the dish combines a range of textures and flavors. The large pasta shells provide a satisfying bite, while the ricotta-spinach filling is creamy and smooth. The marinara sauce adds a savory, slightly tangy contrast, and the melted cheese on top adds a rich, comforting finish. This combination of textures and flavors makes every bite a delight.
Another benefit of spinach and ricotta stuffed shells is that they are a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving a group of friends, family, or guests, this dish is sure to be a hit. The familiar flavors are comforting, yet the presentation of the stuffed shells is elegant enough for special occasions. It’s also a great dish for vegetarians and can be easily adapted for other dietary restrictions.
Tips for Perfect Stuffed Shells
To ensure your spinach and ricotta stuffed shells turn out perfectly, here are a few tips:
1. Don’t Overcook the Pasta Shells
Jumbo pasta shells are larger and thicker than regular pasta, so they require a bit more attention during cooking. Make sure to cook the shells al dente (firm to the bite), as they will continue to cook when baked in the oven. Overcooking the shells can result in a mushy texture, so keep an eye on them.
2. Drain the Shells Well
After cooking the pasta shells, make sure to drain them thoroughly and let them cool slightly before stuffing. If they are too wet, they could make the filling soggy, and they might not hold their shape properly during baking.
3. Use Fresh Spinach
While frozen spinach can be used, fresh spinach gives the dish a better texture and flavor. If using fresh spinach, sauté it briefly in olive oil until wilted, and then drain any excess liquid. This will help avoid a watery filling.
4. Bake Covered, Then Uncovered
Covering the stuffed shells with foil while baking helps them stay moist and ensures the cheese melts evenly. After about 20-25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes to allow the cheese to brown and become bubbly.
5. Make It Ahead of Time
This dish is ideal for making ahead of time. You can assemble the stuffed shells and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. If you’re preparing a large batch, you can even freeze the unbaked shells for future use. Simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
Serving Suggestions
Spinach and ricotta stuffed shells can be served as a stand-alone dish or paired with sides. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a great accompaniment, as it adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the stuffed shells. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is also a perfect pairing, ideal for soaking up the marinara sauce.
For a more substantial meal, serve the stuffed shells alongside roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, zucchini, or a medley of seasonal vegetables. A glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Pinot Noir, complements the rich flavors of the dish perfectly.
Conclusion
Spinach and ricotta stuffed shells are a timeless comfort food that combines creamy cheese, fresh spinach, and savory marinara sauce. This dish is incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit various tastes and dietary needs. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s a dish that everyone can enjoy. The comforting flavors and hearty textures make it a crowd-pleasing meal that is sure to satisfy. So, why not try making this delicious dish at home? With a few simple ingredients and some careful preparation, you’ll have a comforting, cheesy meal that will impress your family and friends.