How to Create Cheesy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Looking for a delicious, comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and feels fancy? Cheesy spinach and ricotta stuffed shells are the perfect choice! These jumbo pasta shells are stuffed with a flavorful mixture of creamy ricotta cheese, spinach, and Parmesan, then baked in a rich tomato sauce. The best part? You don’t need to be a professional chef to make this dish. In just a few simple steps, you can impress your family or guests with this mouthwatering recipe.
Here’s how to make cheesy spinach and ricotta stuffed shells, step by step, in simple English.
Ingredients
Before we begin, let’s gather everything we need. Here’s a list of ingredients:
For the filling:
– 2 cups ricotta cheese
– 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the pasta and sauce:
– 20-25 jumbo pasta shells
– 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking the jumbo shells. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add a pinch of salt, and cook the shells according to the package instructions. They should be al dente, meaning slightly firm, since they’ll continue cooking in the oven later.
Once cooked, drain the shells and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and make them easier to handle. Set them aside while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
Now it’s time to make the cheesy spinach and ricotta filling.
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In a large mixing bowl, add the ricotta cheese, chopped spinach (or thawed frozen spinach), shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
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Mix everything together until it’s well combined. The filling should be creamy and easy to scoop. If it feels too thick, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of milk to loosen it up.
Step 3: Stuff the Shells
This part is fun and easy!
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Take a cooked pasta shell and spoon about 2 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture into the shell. You don’t need to overfill it – just enough to close the shell slightly.
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Repeat this process until all your filling is used up and your shells are stuffed. Place the stuffed shells in a baking dish in a single layer.
Step 4: Add the Sauce and Cheese
To give the dish that irresistible saucy goodness, pour marinara sauce over the stuffed shells. Make sure all the shells are covered in sauce to prevent them from drying out in the oven.
Once the sauce is evenly spread, sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top. This extra layer of cheese will melt beautifully and create a bubbly, golden topping after baking.
Step 5: Bake the Shells
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake the stuffed shells for about 25 minutes.
After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes. During this time, the cheese on top will melt and turn golden brown. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the cheesy spinach and ricotta stuffed shells are done baking, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Use a spatula or large spoon to scoop out the shells, making sure to get plenty of sauce with each portion.
Garnish with fresh basil, parsley, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Pair this dish with a side salad or garlic bread, and you’ve got a restaurant-worthy meal!
Tips for Success
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the stuffed shells ahead of time and refrigerate them. When you’re ready to bake, simply cover with sauce and cheese, and pop them in the oven.
- Customizable Filling: If you’re not a fan of spinach or want to add protein, try mixing in cooked ground beef, sausage, or shredded chicken into the filling. You can also experiment with other vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.
- Use Fresh Herbs: For a burst of flavor, add fresh basil or oregano to the filling or sprinkle them over the dish before serving.
Final Thoughts
Cheesy spinach and ricotta stuffed shells are a classic comfort food that you can easily whip up at home. The combination of creamy cheese, savory spinach, and rich marinara sauce makes this dish a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve on a regular weeknight or at a special dinner party.
So, next time you’re craving something warm and cheesy, give this recipe a try. It’s simple, satisfying, and sure to become a favorite in your home. Happy cooking!
