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The Ultimate Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe: A Journey into Comfort Food Perfection

The Ultimate Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe: A Journey into Comfort Food Perfection
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Creamy, cheesy, and packed with nutritious spinach, these Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells are the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a make-ahead meal, they’re simple to prepare but feel indulgent.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 12–15 jumbo pasta shells (about ½ box)

  • 2 cups ricotta cheese

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 large egg

  • 2 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped) or 1 cup frozen spinach (thawed and drained)

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 cups marinara sauce

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  • Cook the pasta shells
    Boil the jumbo shells in salted water according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8–10 minutes). Drain and set aside to cool slightly.

  • Prepare the filling
    In a large bowl, combine ricotta, ½ cup mozzarella, Parmesan, and egg until smooth.
    Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds, then add spinach and cook until wilted (2–3 minutes). Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix into the cheese mixture.

  • Stuff the shells
    Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
    Spread 1 cup marinara sauce over the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
    Fill each shell with ~2 tablespoons of the ricotta-spinach mixture and arrange in the dish, open side up. Pour remaining marinara sauce over the shells.

  • Bake
    Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes. Let rest a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Notes

  • Choose the Right Ricotta: Full-fat ricotta gives the creamiest texture, but part-skim works for a lighter dish.

  • Avoid Overstuffing: Too much filling can spill out during baking.

  • Customize Your Filling: Add sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or fresh herbs for extra flavor.

  • Make Ahead: Assemble shells ahead of time and freeze before baking. Thaw and bake when ready.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://biteseason.com/the-ultimate-spinach-and-ricotta-stuffed-shells-recipe-a-journey-into-comfort-food-perfection/

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