Description
Dive into the comforting embrace of these sumptuous spinach and ricotta stuffed shells, a dish that promises to delight your senses and fill your kitchen with the aromas of Italian cooking. Perfect for a family dinner or a hearty meal with friends, each shell is a tender vessel bursting with creamy ricotta, vibrant spinach, and topped with a rich tomato sauce that sings of homemade love and care!
Ingredients
Scale
- 24 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375 degrees F.
- Prepare the Pasta: Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, half the mozzarella, Parmesan, spinach, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Assemble the Shells: Spoon the filling into each pasta shell. Arrange the filled shells in a baking dish lightly greased with olive oil.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour marinara sauce over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil over the top before serving.
Notes
- Make Ahead: These shells can be filled and refrigerated a day in advance. Simply bake when ready to serve.
- Freezer Friendly: Freeze the prepared but unbaked shells for up to three months. Bake from frozen, adding extra cooking time as needed.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 shells
- Calories: 389
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 879mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 63mg
