Cheesy Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells – Easy Recipe

Looking for a comforting and mouthwatering meal that combines indulgence with wholesome goodness? Look no further than these Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells. Picture perfectly cooked jumbo pasta shells brimming with a delectable mixture of creamy ricotta cheese, gooey mozzarella, and flavorful Parmesan, all nestled in a bed of vibrant spinach and smothered in rich marinara sauce. It’s a dish that’s sure to make your taste buds dance with delight.

I stumbled upon this Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells recipe one lazy Sunday afternoon, yearning for a taste of nostalgia with a twist of freshness. Since then, it has become my go-to comfort food, striking the perfect balance between classic indulgence and a generous serving of greens. Whether you’re hosting a potluck, feeding picky eaters, or simply craving a cozy night in, these stuffed shells are bound to steal the show. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a dish that’s as heartwarming to make as it is to eat.

Quick Benefits

• Comforting yet wholesome dish, perfect for family dinners or potlucks
• Versatile recipe that allows for easy ingredient substitutions and variations to suit different tastes and dietary preferences
• Freezes beautifully for convenient make-ahead meals or leftovers
• Filling can be repurposed as a delicious spread or pizza topping, reducing food waste

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells – Easy Recipe Recipe

• Indulgent and Wholesome: This dish strikes the perfect balance between feeling indulgent with the cheeses and sauce, while incorporating wholesome ingredients like spinach, making it a guilt-free comfort food option.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks or family gatherings, this recipe has been proven to be a hit with guests going back for seconds and asking for the recipe. It’s sure to impress a crowd!
• Kid-Friendly: The creative “boats filled with treasure” concept makes eating spinach appealing to kids, adding a fun twist to mealtime and making it a family-friendly recipe.
• Versatile and Customizable: With room for variations like adding sautéed mushrooms, different greens, herbs, or even meat like Italian sausage, this recipe allows you to cater to different tastes and preferences, making it perfect for adapting to your liking.
• Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly: Ideal for meal prep or busy weeknights, the shells freeze beautifully, allowing you to make a double batch and have a comforting meal ready at a moment’s notice. The forgiving nature of the recipe also allows for easy storage and reheating.
• Nostalgic and Heartwarming: With a nostalgic touch of learning to make stuffed shells from family members, this recipe is not just about the food, but also about creating memories in the kitchen and passing down traditions. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
• Leftover Hack: The extra filling can be repurposed as a delicious spread for bread or pizza, showing that this recipe is not only delicious in its original form but also provides tasty leftovers that can be transformed into new creations.
• Kitchen Pro Status: A fail-proof recipe that’s simple enough for a weeknight meal but special enough for company, this dish will make you feel like a kitchen pro, mastering a classic comfort food with ease and flair.

Ingredients for Cheesy Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells – Easy Recipe

For the Shells

• Fresh basil leaves for garnish
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 12 ounces jumbo pasta shells
• 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
• 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese

How to Make Cheesy Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells – Easy Recipe

Step 1: Prep

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook jumbo shells in boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and cool until easy to handle.

Step 2: Make the Filling

Combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, chopped spinach, salt, and pepper in a bowl, adjusting seasoning to taste.

Step 3: Assemble

Spread half of the marinara sauce in the baking dish. Fill each shell with a generous portion of the cheese mixture and arrange them in the dish. Pour the remaining sauce over the shells.

Step 4: Bake

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Storage Tips

Once you have made the Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells, storing any leftovers properly is key to maintaining their freshness and flavor. To store the finished dish, place the stuffed shells in an airtight container, ensuring a tight seal to prevent air exposure. Store the container in the refrigerator, where the stuffed shells can be kept for up to 4 days. When reheating the leftovers, consider adding a splash of extra marinara sauce to keep the shells moist and flavorful.

If you find yourself with extra filling from the recipe, do not discard it! The remaining filling can be repurposed as a delicious spread for toasted bread or as a tasty topping for pizza. This versatile filling adds a burst of flavor to other dishes and prevents any waste. Additionally, if you wish to freeze the stuffed shells for future enjoyment, you can do so by preparing a double batch and freezing half before baking. Simply thaw the frozen shells overnight in the refrigerator when you are ready to cook them, allowing for a convenient and delicious meal at a later time.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have whole milk ricotta cheese on hand, you can easily substitute it with cottage cheese. Just make sure to drain the cottage cheese first to achieve a similar texture. This swap won’t drastically alter the flavor profile of the dish and still provide a creamy filling for the stuffed shells.

Feel free to customize the greens in the filling based on your preference or what you have available. If you’re not a fan of spinach, you can easily swap it out for kale, Swiss chard, or even arugula for a different flavor profile. Additionally, if you have fresh herbs like basil or oregano on hand, don’t hesitate to add them to the filling for an extra burst of flavor. These substitutions allow you to tailor the dish to your liking while still maintaining the heartiness and comfort of the original recipe.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative twist on serving these Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells, try arranging them on a platter in a circular shape, creating a “shell wreath.” Garnish the center with fresh basil leaves and sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese over the top for a festive and visually appealing presentation. This is perfect for a dinner party or holiday gathering, sure to impress your guests before they even take a bite.

To elevate the flavors of these stuffed shells, consider serving them alongside a side dish of roasted garlic and cherry tomato bruschetta. The sweet, caramelized tomatoes and savory garlic spread on toasted baguette slices perfectly complement the creamy ricotta filling of the shells. It’s a delightful combination that adds a burst of freshness and texture to the meal, creating a memorable dining experience that balances richness with brightness.

FAQs for Cheesy Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells – Easy Recipe

Can I substitute cottage cheese for ricotta in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute cottage cheese for ricotta in this recipe. Just make sure to drain the cottage cheese first to achieve a similar texture to ricotta.

Can I freeze the stuffed shells before baking them?

Yes, these stuffed shells freeze beautifully. You can make a double batch and freeze half before baking. Simply thaw them overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to cook.

How long can I store leftovers of the stuffed shells?

You can store leftovers of the stuffed shells in an airtight container for up to 4 days. When reheating, adding a splash of extra sauce will help keep everything moist.

What other variations can I try with the filling?

You can try adding sautéed mushrooms, kale, or fresh herbs like basil and oregano to the filling. For a meatier option, consider adding Italian sausage to the sauce. You can also get creative with ingredients like chopped artichoke hearts or butternut squash for different flavor profiles.

Conclusion

As you sit down to enjoy the delightful Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells you’ve lovingly prepared, remember that each bite is a culmination of tradition, creativity, and comfort. The magic of this dish lies not just in its flavors, but in the memories it creates and the joy it brings to those who gather around your table. So savor each mouthful of these “boats filled with treasure” and let the warmth of good food fill your heart.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey, Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells is a recipe that welcomes your personal touch and invites you to make it your own. So gather your loved ones, share a meal together, and let the love you pour into your cooking nurture both body and soul. Here’s to many more cozy kitchen moments and delicious memories created around the shared joy of good food. Happy cooking, happy eating, and happy moments with Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells.

Cheesy Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells – Easy Recipe

“Indulge in comfort with Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells – a wholesome yet satisfying dish that’s a true crowd-pleaser.”

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time25 Minutes

Cook Time40 Minutes

Total Time65 Minutes

CuisineItalian

Skill LevelEasy

Servings4 Servings

Ingredients

For the Shells

• Fresh basil leaves for garnish
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 12 ounces jumbo pasta shells
• 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
• 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese

Instructions

1. Prep: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook jumbo shells in boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and cool until easy to handle.
2. Make the Filling: Combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, chopped spinach, salt, and pepper in a bowl, adjusting seasoning to taste.
3. Assemble: Spread half of the marinara sauce in the baking dish. Fill each shell with a generous portion of the cheese mixture and arrange them in the dish. Pour the remaining sauce over the shells.
4. Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.