Are you ready to dive into a dish that’s creamy, flavorful, and perfect for the whole family? Introducing Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells! This delightful Italian-inspired meal features pasta shells generously filled with a velvety mixture of ricotta cheese and fresh spinach, all enveloped in a luscious marinara sauce. It’s the kind of comfort food that not only warms your belly but also eases your mind after a long day.
Did you know that stuffed pasta shells date back to Italy’s Campania region? The dish has become a household favorite, appealing to children and adults alike. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it a lifesaver on busy weeknights. Much like our other popular recipes, such as Cheesy Baked Ziti, this dish combines simplicity with mouthwatering flavor, proving that hearty meals don’t have to be complicated. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to indulge in a comforting plate of stuffed shells that’s sure to impress everyone around your dinner table!
What are Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells?
Now, you might be wondering about the curious name of this dish. Why “stuffed shells,” you ask? Well, picture this: large pasta shells filled to the brim with a creamy, cheesy mixture. It’s like each shell is a little treasure waiting to be discovered on your plate! And let’s face it, who wouldn’t want to dig into something that sounds this delightful? After all, they say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and these stuffed shells are bound to win over even the pickiest eaters. So, gather your ingredients and get ready—your taste buds are in for a treat!
Why You’ll Love These Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
- Deliciously Cheesy and Creamy: The main highlight of this dish is the rich filling made from ricotta cheese, which oozes creaminess, perfectly complemented by the fresh spinach’s mild earthiness. Once you take a bite, you’ll understand why this dish is a crowd-pleaser!
- Cost-Saving Benefits: Making Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells at home is a fantastic way to save money compared to ordering takeout or dining out. Plus, it’s a simple dish to whip up in under an hour, allowing you to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your home.
- Flavorful Toppings: What makes this dish even more special is the homemade marinara sauce (or store-bought, if you prefer the convenience) poured over the shells before baking. The sauce adds a burst of flavor, creating a delightful contrast with the creamy filling. If you’re a fan of Italian cuisine, you’ll appreciate how this dish stands shoulder to shoulder with classics like lasagna.
So why wait? Grab your apron and let’s start making these cheesy delights!
How to Make Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Quick Overview
Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells are not only a feast for the senses, but they’re also incredibly easy to prepare! The combination of open pasta shells loaded with a delectable mixture of creamy ricotta and fresh spinach, topped with marinara sauce and cheese, makes this dish absolutely satisfying. In about 30 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of baking, you can create a stunning meal that’ll impress your family and friends.
Key Ingredients for Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
To embark on this culinary adventure, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 20-25 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus more for topping)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions, typically about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
- Fill the Shells: Take each cooked shell and spoon a generous amount of the ricotta mixture into each one. Place the stuffed shells seam side up in a baking dish.
- Add Sauce: Pour half of the marinara sauce over the filled shells, making sure to coat them well. Then, gently spoon the remaining sauce over the top.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese over the top for that extra gooey goodness.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve warm.
What to Serve Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells With
These Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells can be paired beautifully with various dishes. A simple side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette complements the rich flavors of the shells nicely. Alternatively, garlic bread makes for a decadent addition, perfect for sopping up any extra marinara sauce! For drinks, consider serving a refreshing lemonade or sparkling water to cleanse your palate.
Top Tips for Perfecting Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling a day in advance and assemble the shells right before baking. It saves time on busy days!
- Substitutions: Don’t hesitate to experiment! Swap out the ricotta for cottage cheese or use frozen spinach if you don’t have fresh on hand.
- Avoid Overcooking Shells: When cooking your pasta shells, err on the side of slightly undercooked to ensure they hold up well after baking.
- Experiment with Sauces: While marinara is a classic, feel free to experiment with a white sauce or pesto for a fun twist!
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers (though we doubt that will happen!), they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the stuffed shells in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, adding a splash of marinara sauce if they seem dry. You can also freeze unbaked assembled shells for up to 2 months. Just thaw and bake as instructed when ready to serve!
With its creamy, delicious filling and that comforting classic touch, Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells are bound to become the star of your dinner routine. So roll up your sleeves, gather your favorite ingredients, and savor every delightful bite!
Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese plus more for topping
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta and Sauce
- 20-25 pieces jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups marinara sauce homemade or store-bought
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
- Take each cooked shell and spoon a generous amount of the ricotta mixture into each one. Place the stuffed shells seam side up in a baking dish.
Baking
- Pour half of the marinara sauce over the filled shells, ensuring they are well coated. Gently spoon the remaining sauce over the top.
- Sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serving
- Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Leave a Reply