Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Delicious jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy mixture of ricotta cheese, vibrant spinach, and topped with marinara sauce, perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta and Filling
- 12 pieces jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 piece egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped spinach, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Stuff each pasta shell with the spinach and ricotta mixture.
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.
- Place the stuffed shells in the dish and top with remaining marinara sauce.
Baking
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and sprinkle extra mozzarella on top, then bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serving
- Let cool for a few minutes, garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve.
Notes
You can experiment with adding proteins like cooked ground beef or turkey to the filling. Assemble the shells in advance for easier meal prep.