Classic Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Pasta Shells

Classic Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Pasta Shells

Are you in the mood for a dish that embodies comfort food at its best? Look no further than Classic Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Pasta Shells! Bursting with creamy ricotta, delicious spinach, and topped off with a rich marinara sauce, this recipe is a family favorite that never disappoints. Quick, simple, and cheesy, what more could you ask for?

Did you know that stuffed pasta shells were originally created in Italy? They’ve become a staple in kitchens around the world, and for good reason! It’s an approachable dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Compared to another beloved favorite, lasagna, stuffed shells offer a unique twist but still provide that delicious blend of cheese and hearty pasta everyone craves.

So, gather your loved ones around the table and get ready to dig into this delightful recipe that’s sure to become a cherished part of your meal rotation!

What is Classic Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Pasta Shells?

Pasta shells stuffed with a creamy blend of ricotta cheese and fresh spinach – sounds delightful, doesn’t it? But why the name? Well, these iconic shells are meant to be filled, much like little parcels of joy. It’s a playful way to combine the flavors we love in Italian cooking.

Imagine this: you spend an afternoon preparing a hearty feast, and when it comes time to serve, everyone’s eyes light up as they see those beautifully baked, stuffed shells come out of the oven. It’s fair to say that "the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach" really holds true here. So why not give it a try? You might just find that these shells become a regular feature in your mealtime lineup!

Why You’ll Love This Classic Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Pasta Shells

There are several reasons why Classic Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Pasta Shells deserve a spot on your dinner table!

1. Deliciously Creamy: The combination of ricotta and spinach wrapped in tender pasta creates a rich and satisfying flavor, making every bite a treat.
2. Budget-Friendly: Making it at home is not only fun but also a smart financial choice. Store-bought options just can’t compete with a homemade version that’s both affordable and fulfilling.
3. Customizable Goodness: You can dress up your shells with various toppings, like homemade marinara sauce or a sprinkle of mozzarella before baking. Fancy, yet easy!

If you enjoy this recipe, you might also want to check out our blog post for Baked Ziti, which offers a similarly comforting pasta experience! Now, let’s dive into this scrumptious stuffed shell dish and perfect it together.

How to Make Classic Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Pasta Shells

Quick Overview

Prepare to delight in a dish that is not only delicious but incredibly easy to prepare! With a creamy filling, a short prep time of about 30 minutes, and additional baking time, you’ll have a hearty meal that is sure to impress.

Key Ingredients for Classic Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Pasta Shells

To whip up these divine stuffed shells, you’ll need:

• 20 large pasta shells
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (plus additional for topping)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.

3. Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well-combined.

4. Stuff the Shells: Carefully stuff each cooked pasta shell with a generous amount of the cheese and spinach mixture.

5. Build the Dish: Spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells on top, then pour the remaining marinara sauce over the filled shells. Sprinkle extra mozzarella cheese on top.

6. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

7. Serve: Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!

What to Serve Classic Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Pasta Shells With

To elevate your dining experience, try serving these delectable stuffed pasta shells with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette. A side of garlic bread pairs perfectly for soaking up the marinara sauce, while a glass of red wine can round out the meal beautifully.

Top Tips for Perfecting Classic Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Pasta Shells

• Cheese Options: Feel free to mix and match your cheese selections. A blend of feta, cottage cheese, or even goat cheese can add an exciting flavor twist.
• Make Ahead: These stuffed shells can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or even frozen for later. Just remember to add extra baking time if cooking from frozen.
• Avoid Overcooking the Pasta: Make sure to cook your pasta shells just to al dente. You want them to hold their shape while baking without becoming mushy.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Leftovers? Yes, please! To store any remaining stuffed shells, simply place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for about 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them—just ensure they are well-covered to prevent freezer burn. When reheating, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes, or until heated through.

Transform your next meal time into a delicious experience with Classic Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Pasta Shells, and watch your loved ones eagerly ask for seconds!

Classic Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Pasta Shells

Delicious pasta shells filled with a creamy blend of ricotta cheese and fresh spinach, topped with marinara sauce - a comforting family favorite.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 420

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 20 large large pasta shells For stuffing
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped Can be replaced with other greens if desired
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded Plus additional for topping
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg Acts as a binder for the filling
• 2 cups marinara sauce For layering and topping
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• to taste Salt and pepper

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
3. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well-combined.

Assembly

1. Carefully stuff each cooked pasta shell with a generous amount of the cheese and spinach mixture.
2. Spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells on top, then pour the remaining marinara sauce over the filled shells. Sprinkle extra mozzarella cheese on top.

Baking

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Serving

1. Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!

Notes

These stuffed shells can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or frozen. Add extra baking time if cooking from frozen. Try mixing cheeses for a different flavor twist.