Cheesy Ricotta and Spinach Stuffed Shells
Imagine sinking your fork into a plate of cheesy goodness, where creamy ricotta and fresh spinach unite in a culinary embrace within tender pasta shells. That’s exactly what you’ll experience with Cheesy Ricotta and Spinach Stuffed Shells, a dish that’s not only delicious but also family-friendly and simple to whip up. With a fluffy filling enveloped in a flavorful tomato sauce and topped with melted cheese, this recipe brings comfort food to a whole new level.
Did you know that stuffed shells originated in Southern Italy, where pasta lovers have been experimenting with fillings for centuries? This dish is a fun way to explore Italian cuisine in your kitchen, even if you haven’t been to Italy yet! If you’ve ever enjoyed the popular lasagna or baked ziti, you’ll find stuffed shells to be a delightful twist that’s just as hearty and satisfying. So why not give this recipe a try? Your family will love it, and you’ll appreciate how quickly it comes together, leaving you with more time to enjoy that delicious meal!
What is Cheesy Ricotta and Spinach Stuffed Shells?
Let’s talk about the name, shall we? Cheesy Ricotta and Spinach Stuffed Shells—sounds like a mouthful of deliciousness, doesn’t it? But really, it describes exactly what’s inside those large pasta shells! Who wouldn’t want to dive into a plate of cheesy, spinach-filled joy? The name says it all, but there’s nothing boring about this dish! It’s said that “stuffed” pasta is like a warm hug for your stomach, and honestly, isn’t that what we’re all after? The way to a man’s heart is indeed through his stomach, and with these delightful shells, you’ll be winning hearts left and right. Ready to roll up your sleeves and learn how to prepare this scrumptious dish? Let’s go!
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Ricotta and Spinach Stuffed Shells
This recipe shines with several remarkable qualities that make it a must-try for any home cook. First and foremost, the star of the show—those large pasta shells filled with a mixture of creamy ricotta cheese and vibrant spinach. It’s an explosion of flavors and textures as you take that first bite.
Also, making your stuffed shells at home is a fantastic way to save money while enjoying a restaurant-quality meal. Think about it: you can feed the whole family without breaking the bank! Plus, customizing your filling or sauce is a breeze. And let’s not forget the toppings! Whether you prefer drizzling with marinara sauce or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning, the possibilities are endless.
If you enjoy other cheesy pasta recipes like mac and cheese or lasagna, you’ll find this stuffed shells recipe a delightful addition to your dinner rotation. So gather your ingredients and join the stuffed shell revolution!
How to Make Cheesy Ricotta and Spinach Stuffed Shells
Quick Overview
Making Cheesy Ricotta and Spinach Stuffed Shells is easy, quick, and oh-so-satisfying! With a prep time of about 30 minutes and an overall time of about 1 hour, you’ll be savoring this dish in no time. So tighten up your apron, because we’re about to dive into a pasta experience that’s sure to impress!
Key Ingredients for Cheesy Ricotta and Spinach Stuffed Shells
- 20 large pasta shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (or frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
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Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, chopped spinach, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well-combined.
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Stuff the Shells: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Carefully fill each shell with about 2 tablespoons of the ricotta and spinach mixture.
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Layer the Dish: Spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place the stuffed shells in the dish and pour the remaining sauce over the top. Sprinkle extra mozzarella cheese on top.
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Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
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Serve: Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the flavors of this comforting, cheesy delight!
What to Serve Cheesy Ricotta and Spinach Stuffed Shells With
Pair your Cheesy Ricotta and Spinach Stuffed Shells with a crisp green salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing balance. Garlic bread makes for a delicious side that complements the cheesy flavor beautifully. If you’re in the mood for something a bit heartier, consider a side of roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli to round out the meal. Don’t forget a glass of your favorite wine or a sparkling Italian soda to elevate your dining experience!
Top Tips for Perfecting Cheesy Ricotta and Spinach Stuffed Shells
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Ingredient Substitution: If you’re out of ricotta cheese, cottage cheese works in a pinch! For a vegan alternative, use tofu blended with nutritional yeast.
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Don’t Overcook the Shells: Cook them just until al dente; they will continue to cook in the oven.
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Freezing for Later: You can freeze the stuffed shells before baking. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed.
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Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
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Avoid Soggy Shells: Make sure tortillas are drained of excess moisture to prevent sogginess.
Storing and Reheating Tips
After enjoying your Cheesy Ricotta and Spinach Stuffed Shells, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge where they will remain fresh for 3-4 days. If you’re looking to store them for longer, you can freeze them before baking. Lay them out on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They can be kept in the freezer for up to three months!
To reheat, simply place the shells in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes, or until heated through. For that freshly-baked taste, consider uncovering for the last few minutes to melt the cheese on top!
Now you’re all set to wow your family and friends with this delightful recipe for Cheesy Ricotta and Spinach Stuffed Shells! Happy cooking!
Cheesy Ricotta and Spinach Stuffed Shells
Ingredients
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, chopped spinach, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well-combined.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Carefully fill each shell with about 2 tablespoons of the ricotta and spinach mixture.
- Spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place the stuffed shells in the dish and pour the remaining sauce over the top. Sprinkle extra mozzarella cheese on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the flavors of this comforting, cheesy delight!
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