Description
Ricotta Stuffed Shells are a cozy, cheesy baked pasta dinner that turns simple ingredients into pure comfort. Tender jumbo shells are filled with creamy ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and spinach, then baked in rich marinara until hot and bubbly. This easy recipe is perfect for an easy dinner, family meal, make ahead dinner, and comforting food ideas when you need a satisfying pasta night.
Ingredients
12 oz jumbo pasta shells
15 oz ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 large egg
2 cups fresh spinach, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
24 oz marinara sauce
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the jumbo pasta shells until al dente according to the package directions. Drain and rinse gently with cool water.
2. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. In a large bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, egg, chopped spinach, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
4. Spoon the ricotta mixture into each cooked shell and place the filled shells in the prepared baking dish.
5. Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the shells and sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.
6. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for 10 to 15 minutes more, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Let the dish rest for 5 to 10 minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Notes
Cook a few extra shells since some may tear while boiling or filling.
Squeeze out excess moisture if using thawed frozen spinach so the filling stays creamy, not watery.
Let the shells rest before serving so the filling sets and the sauce stays in place.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg