Description
Vegetarian Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells offer the perfect balance of comfort and nutrition without requiring hours in the kitchen. This recipe delivers a rich, creamy interior paired with a tangy tomato sauce and melted cheese, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
12 oz Jumbo Pasta Shells
15 oz Ricotta Cheese
10 oz Fresh Spinach
1 Large Egg
2 cups Mozzarella Cheese
1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese
3 cloves Garlic
24 oz Marinara Sauce
1 tablespoon Olive Oil
1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
1 teaspoon Dried Basil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with a small amount of Olive Oil
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo shells and cook for 2 minutes less than the package directions. Drain and rinse with cool water
- In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of Olive Oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Toss in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and let it cool
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, 1 cup of mozzarella, half of the Parmesan, dried herbs, and the cooled spinach. Mix until thoroughly combined
- Spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce across the bottom of your prepared baking dish
- Using a spoon or a piping bag, generously fill each cooked shell with the ricotta mixture. Place them open-side up in the baking dish
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover the dish with foil
- Bake covered for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving
Notes
For best results, do not overcook the pasta and ensure to rinse it with cold water to prevent sticking.
You can make these shells ahead of time and refrigerate them before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 shells
- Calories: 385 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 80mg