How do I make ricotta spinach stuffed shells from scratch?

To make ricotta spinach stuffed shells from scratch, start by cooking jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Meanwhile, sauté fresh or thawed spinach until wilted and excess moisture evaporates. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, cooked spinach, grated Parmesan, shredded mozzarella, beaten egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stuff each shell with the mixture and arrange them in a baking dish with marinara sauce at the bottom. Cover with additional sauce and shredded mozzarella. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Let cool a few minutes before serving.

Can I prepare ricotta spinach stuffed shells in advance and freeze them?

Yes, ricotta spinach stuffed shells can be prepared ahead and frozen for convenience. Assemble the dish as usual but don’t bake it. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. To cook, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, remove plastic wrap, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40-50 minutes until heated through and bubbly. This method helps maintain texture and flavor, perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights.

What cheeses work best in ricotta spinach stuffed shells?

Ricotta is the primary cheese for a creamy filling, but combining it with Parmesan and mozzarella enhances flavor and texture. Parmesan adds a nutty, sharp taste, while mozzarella melts smoothly and provides a stretchy, gooey finish. You can also mix in a bit of shredded provolone or fontina for extra richness. Using whole-milk ricotta yields the creamiest results, but part-skim ricotta can be a lighter option without sacrificing too much flavor.

How can I make ricotta spinach stuffed shells healthier?

To make ricotta spinach stuffed shells healthier, choose whole wheat or gluten-free pasta shells for added fiber or dietary needs. Use part-skim ricotta and reduced-fat mozzarella to lower fat content. Incorporate extra vegetables like finely chopped zucchini or mushrooms into the filling to boost nutrients. Use a low-sodium marinara sauce or make your own with fresh tomatoes to control salt levels. Baking without adding excessive cheese on top can also reduce calories while keeping the dish satisfying.

What side dishes pair well with ricotta spinach stuffed shells?

Ricotta spinach stuffed shells are rich and filling, so pairing them with lighter side dishes balances the meal. A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the creamy pasta. Roasted or steamed vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, or green beans add color and nutrients. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette can provide a satisfying crunch. For a low-carb option, serve with sautéed greens or a simple tomato cucumber salad to keep the plate fresh and flavorful.

Ricotta Spinach Stuffed Shells Recipe With Creamy Cheese Filling

Name: Ricotta Spinach Stuffed Shells
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: – 16 jumbo pasta shells (cook a few extras to allow for breaking); – 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil; – 2 teaspoons fresh garlic, minced; – 4 cups packed fresh spinach leaves, roughly chopped; – 12 ounces skim-milk ricotta cheese; – 1 cup shredded skim-milk mozzarella cheese; – 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving; – 1 large egg; – 1 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped; – 1 teaspoon kosher salt; – 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; – 1 1/4 cups marinara sauce

Description

🍝 This Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe offers a creamy, cheesy filling combined with fresh spinach for a comforting vegetarian meal.
🧀 Baked to perfection with marinara sauce and melted cheese, it’s an easy, satisfying dish ideal for family dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

– 16 jumbo pasta shells (cook a few extras to allow for breaking)

– 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil

– 2 teaspoons fresh garlic, minced

– 4 cups packed fresh spinach leaves, roughly chopped

– 12 ounces skim-milk ricotta cheese

– 1 cup shredded skim-milk mozzarella cheese

– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

– 1 large egg

– 1 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped

– 1 teaspoon kosher salt

– 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

– 1 1/4 cups marinara sauce

Instructions

1-First, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and cook the 16 jumbo pasta shells al dente as per package instructions, then drain and set them aside.

2-Next, heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat, add 2 teaspoons of minced fresh garlic, and cook until it starts to brown, about 1-2 minutes.

3-Add the 4 cups of roughly chopped fresh spinach leaves and stir occasionally until wilted and reduced by half, which takes around 3-4 minutes; let it cool afterward.

4-In a bowl, mix the cooled spinach with 12 ounces of skim-milk ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded skim-milk mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 large egg, 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh basil, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper until thoroughly combined.

5-For more tips, you can check out our spinach-based chicken bake recipe for additional ideas on handling greens.

6-Pour 1/2 cup of marinara sauce into the bottom of an 8×8 baking dish, stuff each shell generously with the mixture, and arrange them in the dish.

7-Top the shells with the remaining 3/4 cup of marinara sauce, cover with foil, and bake for 25 minutes.

8-Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes until the top browns and the sauce bubbles.

9-Let it cool a bit before serving with extra Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top.

10-This method ensures your ricotta spinach stuffed shells come out perfectly every time, with a creamy texture that’s hard to resist.

Notes

🍝 Cook extra pasta shells as some may break during cooking.
❄️ Refrigerating cooked shells before stuffing can help prevent tearing.
🌿 Italian seasoning can be substituted for fresh basil; minced garlic can replace fresh garlic.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving

Keywords: spinach stuffed shells, ricotta stuffed shells, cheesy pasta shells, vegetarian baked pasta