Irresistible Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe

Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe is like a warm hug on a plate, encapsulating all the cozy vibes of home cooking. Imagine tender pasta shells cradling a creamy ricotta and spinach filling, topped with a rich marinara sauce that dances on your taste buds. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to invite friends over just to show off your culinary prowess.

This delightful recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave comfort food but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Picture this: it’s a chilly evening, the aroma of garlic and tomato wafts through your home, and you’re ready to dive into a plateful of cheesy goodness. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you!

Ingredients for Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: These large shells are perfect for stuffing with all that cheesy goodness. Look for high-quality dried shells for the best texture.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy ricotta gives the filling its signature texture. Opt for whole milk ricotta for extra creaminess.
• Fresh Spinach: Using fresh spinach adds vibrant color and nutrients. Feel free to substitute with frozen spinach if that’s what you have.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds depth of flavor. Freshly grated will elevate the dish even further.
• Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce; it ties everything together beautifully.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic enhances flavor and aroma, making every bite irresistible.
• Egg: The egg helps bind the filling together, ensuring it stays perfectly stuffed inside those shells.

For the Sauce:

• Olive Oil: A drizzle of quality olive oil brings out all the flavors in the sauce while keeping it smooth.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, grab a large pot of salted water and bring it to a boil.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Once boiling, add your jumbo pasta shells to the water. Cook according to package instructions until al dente—usually about 10-12 minutes—then drain them gently.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, chopped fresh spinach (squeeze out excess moisture), grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and an egg. Stir until everything is well mixed; you should have a creamy concoction that looks like something you’d want to dive into headfirst.

Step 4: Stuff Those Shells

Now comes the fun part! Take each shell and fill it generously with your ricotta-spinach mixture. Don’t be shy; these shells are begging for love!

Step 5: Assemble in Baking Dish

Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of a baking dish. Place each stuffed shell upright in the dish, then cover with more marinara sauce and sprinkle some additional Parmesan on top because cheese is life.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Cover with foil (to avoid any melty cheese disasters) and pop it into your preheated oven for about 25 minutes. Remove the foil during the last five minutes so that cheesy topping gets bubbly and golden.

Transfer to plates and drizzle with extra marinara sauce for that perfect finishing touch!

There you have it—the ultimate comfort food experience wrapped up in these delightful Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells! Whether you’re serving them at a dinner party or enjoying them solo while binge-watching your favorite series, they’re sure to bring joy with every bite. Enjoy!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling the pasta shells until al dente. While they cook, mix the ricotta, spinach, and seasonings in a bowl. Once the shells are ready, fill them with that delectable mixture and prepare your sauce for a perfect finish.

Add Your Touch

Get creative! Swap out spinach for kale or add some sun-dried tomatoes for an extra flavor kick. You can even sprinkle in some red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, ensuring they stay cheesy and delicious.

Sometimes my kitchen feels like a sitcom set, especially when I made this dish for my family’s movie night. The kids loved it so much they raced to finish their plates, leaving me wondering if they’d actually eaten something green!

FAQs :

What ingredients do I need for the Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe?

For the Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe, you will need large pasta shells, fresh spinach, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic, marinara sauce, salt, and pepper. These ingredients come together to create a delicious filling that complements the pasta perfectly. You can also add herbs like basil or oregano for extra flavor. Make sure to use fresh spinach whenever possible for the best taste and nutrition.

How long does it take to prepare the Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells?

Preparing the Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells takes approximately 30 minutes. Cooking the pasta shells usually requires about 10-12 minutes, while preparing the filling may take another 10-15 minutes. Once assembled, baking them in the oven for 25-30 minutes allows all the flavors to meld beautifully. Overall, you can have this delightful dish ready in about an hour from start to finish.

Can I make Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells ahead of time. To do this, simply prepare the dish up until the baking step. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator and allow it to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before placing it in a preheated oven.

What variations can I try with this stuffed shells recipe?

You can try various variations with the Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe by adding different ingredients to suit your taste. Consider incorporating cooked ground meat like chicken or turkey for added protein. For a vegetarian option, mix in roasted vegetables such as zucchini or bell peppers. Additionally, you can experiment with different cheeses like feta or goat cheese for a unique flavor twist.

Conclusion for Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe :

In conclusion, the Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe is an easy-to-make dish packed with flavor and nutrition. With simple ingredients like spinach, ricotta cheese, and marinara sauce, this recipe offers a delightful combination of textures that everyone will enjoy. Whether you prepare it ahead of time or serve it fresh out of the oven, these stuffed shells are sure to impress family and friends alike. Don’t hesitate to experiment with variations to make this dish your own!

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Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

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Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells are a delightful comfort food that combines tender jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy ricotta and fresh spinach mixture, all topped with rich marinara sauce. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, offering a burst of flavor in every bite. Whether served at a gathering or enjoyed solo during a movie night, these stuffed shells will satisfy your cravings for something deliciously cheesy and comforting.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups fresh spinach (chopped)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 egg
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil salted water in a large pot.
2. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain gently.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and egg. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Stuff each cooked shell with the ricotta-spinach mixture.
5. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of a baking dish, place the stuffed shells upright, cover with remaining marinara sauce, and sprinkle with more Parmesan cheese.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to achieve a bubbly top.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3 stuffed shells (about 350g)
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: - For added flavor, mix in herbs like basil or oregano into the filling.- Swap spinach for kale or add sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.- Leftover stuffed shells can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat at 350°F until warmed through.