Description
Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells are a delicious and nutritious veggie dinner. With creamy ricotta and vibrant spinach packed into tender pasta shells, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or special family meals, delivering both flavor and health benefits.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add chopped spinach and sauté for 3-4 minutes until wilted, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine sautéed spinach with ricotta, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until creamy.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook jumbo pasta shells until al dente, then drain and cool. Stuff shells with the ricotta mixture and place in a baking dish.
- Pour marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden. Garnish with basil before serving.
Notes
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For freezing, cover tightly for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
- Can be served with a garden salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Frozen spinach can be substituted, just ensure it’s thawed and drained well.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and baked later with adjusted baking times.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 Kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg