How to Create Creamy Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells in Simple English
Do you love cheesy pasta dishes? Then creamy spinach ricotta stuffed shells might just become your next favorite recipe. These stuffed pasta shells are like little pockets of joy, filled with a mixture of cheese and spinach and baked in a rich marinara sauce. They’re perfect for dinner with your family, a celebration, or whenever you’re in the mood for some comfort food. And the best part? They’re surprisingly simple to make! Let’s walk through the steps together.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 box of jumbo pasta shells (around 20–25 shells)
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus more for topping)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, finely chopped (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
Extras:
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Directions:
1. Cook the Pasta Shells
Start by cooking the jumbo shells according to the package instructions. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the shells. Be sure not to overcook them; you want them to be slightly firm (al dente), as they’ll continue to cook in the oven later. Once done, drain the shells and rinse them with cold water to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Filling
While the shells are cooking, it’s time to make that creamy spinach ricotta filling.
- In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and finely chopped spinach.
- If you’re using frozen spinach, make sure you squeeze out as much liquid as possible before adding it to the mix.
- Crack the egg into the bowl and mix it well with the cheese and spinach mixture. The egg helps bind everything together and makes the filling creamy.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until it’s well combined.
Tip: Taste the mixture (before adding the raw egg!) to adjust the seasoning as needed.
3. Make the Sauce
For this recipe, we’ll use marinara sauce as the base.
- If you want your sauce to be extra creamy, mix in about 1/2 cup of heavy cream. This will give the dish a velvety touch.
- Spread 1 cup of the prepared sauce evenly across the bottom of a large baking dish. This prevents the shells from sticking and adds flavor as they bake.
4. Fill the Pasta Shells
Now comes the fun part: stuffing the shells.
- Take each cooked shell and add about 1–2 tablespoons of the ricotta spinach mixture inside. Hold the shell gently in your hand to avoid breaking it.
- Place each stuffed shell in the baking dish, open side up. Keep filling and arranging the shells until your dish is full.
Tip: Work carefully, and don’t overfill the shells—they should look plump, but not overflowing.
5. Add More Sauce and Cheese
Once all the shells are in the dish, pour the remaining marinara sauce on top, spreading it evenly. Be sure each shell gets a generous coating of sauce. Finish by sprinkling extra shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
If you’re a cheese lover, don’t hold back—more cheese makes the dish extra gooey and delicious!
6. Bake It to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep the shells moist while baking. Bake for about 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes to let the cheese on top melt and turn golden brown.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Once your creamy spinach ricotta stuffed shells are baked to perfection, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and flavor.
Serve these shells with a simple green salad or some garlic bread on the side for a complete meal. Watch your family and friends dig in and enjoy every bite!
Tips and Tricks
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the stuffed shells a day in advance. Cover them and store in the fridge, then bake them when you’re ready.
- Freezing Option: These freeze beautifully! Assemble the shells in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze. Simply thaw and bake when you want to enjoy them.
- Customizing the Filling: Feel free to add other ingredients to the filling, like sautéed mushrooms, chopped herbs, or even cooked crumbled sausage for extra flavor.
Creamy spinach ricotta stuffed shells may sound fancy, but they’re actually quite simple to make. With their cheesy filling, comforting sauce, and golden melted topping, they’ll impress everyone at your table. So, go ahead and give this recipe a try—you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds (or thirds). Happy cooking!
