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Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells are a comforting Italian classic that combines tender pasta shells filled with a creamy ricotta and fresh spinach mixture. Topped with marinara sauce and melty mozzarella, this dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, inviting everyone to savor hearty, delicious flavors. Simple to prepare yet impressive, these stuffed shells are sure to become a favorite!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 20 large pasta shells
  • 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
  • 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 clove garlic (minced)
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the pasta shells until al dente, about 8 minutes.
  2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, then add spinach and cook until wilted.
  3. In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, sautéed spinach, half of the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
  4. Fill each pasta shell with about 1 tablespoon of the ricotta mixture and place them seam-side up in a baking dish coated with marinara sauce.
  5. Cover the stuffed shells generously with more marinara sauce and sprinkle with remaining Parmesan and shredded mozzarella.
  6. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Nutrition

Keywords: - For added protein, consider mixing cooked chicken or ground meat into the filling. - You can substitute kale for spinach or use different cheeses like feta for a unique twist. - Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.