Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells: A Comforting Classic with a Fresh Twist

Introduction

When it comes to comforting Italian dishes, stuffed pasta shells are a perennial favorite. Whether baked with marinara sauce or served with a creamy béchamel, these tender shells can hold an abundance of flavors that delight every bite. But if you’re craving something that’s both hearty and healthy, Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells are the way to go.

This version of stuffed shells offers a rich, creamy, and flavorful filling made with spinach and ricotta cheese. The combination of the mildly tangy ricotta and earthy spinach, along with the perfect seasoning, is a match made in pasta heaven. It’s an ideal dish for feeding a crowd, preparing for a holiday feast, or simply enjoying a satisfying family dinner.

With its golden, bubbly top, savory filling, and tender pasta, Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells offers all the classic comfort of a lasagna but in a more manageable and personal serving size. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner, a dinner party, or a holiday celebration, this dish is bound to impress your guests while keeping you cozy.

In this article, we’ll guide you through why this dish should be in your recipe rotation, provide a detailed recipe with step-by-step instructions, and offer tips to customize and elevate the dish even further. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Yet Delicious: With just a handful of ingredients, this dish is easy to make yet delivers on flavor.
• Comforting and Hearty: The combination of pasta, cheese, and spinach makes for a dish that feels satisfying and comforting.
• Vegetarian-Friendly: Perfect for those who prefer a meatless option but don’t want to sacrifice flavor or heartiness.
• Customizable: You can easily add other ingredients like mushrooms, sundried tomatoes, or even different types of cheese to make it your own.
• Perfect for Feeding a Crowd: This dish can be made in large quantities and is ideal for potlucks, family dinners, or holiday meals.
• Freezes Well: You can prepare this dish ahead of time, freeze it, and bake it when you’re ready, making it a great make-ahead meal.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (30 minutes prep, 1 hour baking)
• Servings: This recipe serves 6-8 people.
• Nutrition Facts (per serving):
  • Calories: 400
  • Protein: 20g
  • Carbs: 45g
  • Fat: 18g

Ingredients

For the Stuffed Shells:

• 12-16 jumbo pasta shells (depending on the size of your dish)
• 2 cups ricotta cheese (preferably whole milk ricotta for a creamier filling)
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry)
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, but adds a nice touch to the filling)

For the Sauce:

• 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil (optional, for extra flavor in the sauce)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

Step-by-Step Instructions

STEP 1: Cook the Jumbo Shells

Start by cooking the pasta shells. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the jumbo shells and cook according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Be careful not to overcook them, as they will soften further during baking. Drain the shells and set them aside to cool slightly.

To prevent the shells from sticking together while cooling, you can drizzle a little bit of olive oil over them or gently toss them in a bit of water. Set aside to cool, making sure they are ready to be filled.

STEP 2: Prepare the Spinach Ricotta Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until well blended.

Add the chopped spinach. If you’re using fresh spinach, sauté it in a pan with a little olive oil until wilted, and then drain any excess water. If using frozen spinach, make sure it’s fully thawed and squeezed dry to remove excess moisture.

To the mixture, add the minced garlic, beaten egg, parsley, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Stir everything together until the filling is well combined. The filling should be creamy and smooth but thick enough to stuff into the pasta shells.

STEP 3: Stuff the Shells

Carefully stuff each cooked shell with the spinach and ricotta filling. Use a spoon to fill them generously but avoid overstuffing them, as the filling can spill out during baking. Arrange the stuffed shells in a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

You can pack the shells snugly together, but leave a little room for the sauce to seep into each shell for extra flavor.

STEP 4: Prepare the Sauce

In a saucepan, heat the marinara sauce over medium heat. If desired, add the dried basil and red pepper flakes to the sauce for extra depth of flavor. Stir to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 5 minutes to heat through and let the flavors meld.

Once heated, pour the sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring each shell is covered with a generous amount of marinara sauce. You can also add a little extra mozzarella cheese on top if you like a cheesy crust.

STEP 5: Bake the Stuffed Shells

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 25-30 minutes. This allows the shells to heat through and the sauce to meld with the filling. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.

The cheese will melt beautifully, and the sauce will start to bubble around the edges. The stuffed shells should be tender and flavorful.

STEP 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors set and makes the shells easier to serve.

Garnish with extra fresh parsley, Parmesan cheese, or a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor and color. Serve your Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells with a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal.

How to Serve

• Family Dinner: These stuffed shells are perfect for a hearty family meal. Serve them alongside a simple green salad and some crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
• For Entertaining: This dish is elegant enough to serve at a dinner party or special gathering. You can easily double the recipe to feed a crowd.
• Pairing: Pair with a glass of Chianti or a light Pinot Grigio to balance the richness of the cheese and spinach filling.

Additional Tips

1. Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach gives the best flavor, but frozen spinach works well too. Just make sure to squeeze out all the excess water to avoid a watery filling.
2. Be Careful with Sauce: If you want a saucier lasagna-like dish, you can use more marinara sauce. For a drier stuffed shell, go easy on the sauce, as it will thicken while baking.
3. Make Ahead: You can assemble this dish the night before and refrigerate it overnight. When ready to bake, simply add 10-15 extra minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.
4. Freezing: These stuffed shells freeze wonderfully. Assemble them in the baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 60-75 minutes.

Recipe Variations

• Add Meat: If you’re craving some meat, you can add cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or chicken to the spinach ricotta mixture. This adds an extra layer of flavor and protein to the dish.
• Mushrooms: For an earthy, umami flavor, sauté some mushrooms and add them to the ricotta filling.
• Cheese Variations: Try mixing in other cheeses like mozzarella di bufala, goat cheese, or even cheddar for a different flavor profile.
• Vegetable Additions: If you want to boost the nutrition and flavor, add roasted zucchini, eggplant, or artichokes to the filling.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or jalapeños to the sauce to give it a bit of heat.

Storage and Freezing

• Storage: Leftover stuffed shells can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze these stuffed shells before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the dish, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 60-75 minutes.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply bake in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or microwave individual servings until heated through.

FAQ Section

Can I use regular pasta shells instead of jumbo shells?
While jumbo shells are ideal for stuffing, you can use regular pasta (like penne or rigatoni) as an alternative. Just make sure the pasta is al dente to prevent it from becoming too soft during baking.

What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
If you’re not a fan of ricotta, you can substitute it with cottage cheese, mascarpone, or goat cheese. You may need to adjust the seasoning based on the cheese you use.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free pasta shells and ensure that the marinara sauce is gluten-free. You can also substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs for any breadcrumbs if adding a crispy topping.

Can I add meat to this recipe?
Yes! You can add cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or even chicken to the ricotta filling. It will add a hearty, savory element to the dish.

Conclusion

Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells offer the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy filling, savory marinara sauce, and tender pasta. This dish is ideal for those who love a comforting meal that’s both delicious and simple to prepare. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just a cozy family dinner, these stuffed shells will quickly become a favorite in your recipe box.

With the option to make it ahead of time, customize the filling, and even freeze for later, this dish is both practical and indulgent. We hope this recipe inspires you to gather your loved ones around the table for a meal that’s sure to please. Enjoy cooking, and remember to share your results with friends and family!

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