Description
Indulge in the creamy goodness of Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells, a delightful vegetarian dish that combines three types of cheese with fresh spinach, all nestled within jumbo pasta shells and topped with marinara sauce. This comforting recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, offering a satisfying blend of flavors and textures that everyone will enjoy. With easy preparation steps and make-ahead options, you can serve this cheesy delight any time you want to impress your family or guests.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 jumbo pasta shells
- 1–1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp fresh garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves, roughly chopped
- 12 oz skim-milk ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded skim-milk mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly-ground black pepper
- 1–1/4 cups marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Stir in spinach; cook until wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cooled spinach mixture with ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, basil, salt, and pepper until well mixed.
- Spread half of the marinara sauce at the bottom of an 8-inch by 8-inch baking dish. Stuff each pasta shell with the filling and arrange them in the dish.
- Pour remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells (195g)
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg