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Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells

A comforting and satisfying family-favorite dish, these Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells feature jumbo pasta shells generously filled with a creamy mixture of ricotta, fresh spinach, and cheeses, all nestled in a vibrant marinara sauce and baked to golden perfection. It's an easy-to-make, wholesome meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd.
Prep Time 50 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 8 servings servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

  • Jumbo Pasta Shells: 1 box (12 oz)
  • Ricotta Cheese: 24 oz (whole milk recommended)
  • Fresh Spinach: 10-12 oz
  • Marinara Sauce: 2 jars (24 oz each)
  • Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups (shredded)
  • Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup (grated)
  • Egg: 1 large
  • Garlic: 3-4 cloves (minced)
  • Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoo
  • Red Pepper Flakes: ½ teaspoon (optional)
  • Fresh Parsley: ¼ cup (chopped)
  • Olive Oil: 1 tablespoo
  • Salt and Black Pepper: To taste

Method
 

  1. Prep the Pasta Shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to package directions, but aim for al dente. You want them firm enough to handle without tearing. Overcooked shells will make stuffing difficult. Drain the shells thoroughly and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. Lay them out on a baking sheet or clean towel to cool.
  2. Sauté the Spinach and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the fresh spinach in batches, stirring until it wilts completely. Once wilted, remove the spinach from the heat. Allow it to cool slightly, then squeeze out as much excess water as possible using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Chop the squeezed spinach finely.
  3. Prepare the Ricotta Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, the egg, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and chopped fresh parsley. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
  4. Preheat Oven and Prep Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour one jar of marinara sauce into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  5. Stuff the Shells: Take each cooled pasta shell and carefully fill it with a generous amount of the ricotta-spinach mixture. You can use a small spoon, a piping bag, or even your hands. Place each filled shell seam-side up in the prepared baking dish over the marinara sauce. Arrange them snugly in a single layer. Repeat this process until all the shells are stuffed and arranged.
  6. Top with Sauce and Cheese: Once all your Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells are neatly arranged, pour the remaining jar of marinara sauce evenly over the top of the shells. Make sure most of the shells are covered with sauce to prevent them from drying out during baking. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the sauce.
  7. Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. The internal temperature should be hot throughout.
  8. Rest and Serve: Once baked, remove the Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells from the oven and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve these delicious stuffed shells with spinach and ricotta hot and enjoy!

Notes

Don't Overcook the Shells: Boil your jumbo pasta shells until they are just al dente. If they're too soft, they'll tear easily. Slightly undercooked shells will finish cooking in the oven.
Squeeze Out That Spinach: After wilting, squeeze out as much excess water as possible from the spinach to prevent a watery filling.
Cool the Shells Completely: Lay cooked shells out on a clean surface to cool completely to prevent sticking and make them easier to handle.
Season Generously: Don't be shy with salt and pepper in your ricotta filling. Taste a tiny bit of the raw filling (without the egg) to adjust seasonings.
Piping Bag for Easy Filling: For quick and clean stuffing, use a large Ziploc bag with a snipped corner as a makeshift piping bag.
Cover for Moisture: Always cover your baking dish with aluminum foil for the majority of the baking time to keep shells tender. Remove foil for the last 10-15 minutes for browning.
Rest Before Serving: Let baked shells rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the filling and sauce to set, preventing spilling.
Quality Marinara Matters: A good quality marinara sauce makes a huge difference in flavor.
Refrigeration: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
Freezing (Baked): Freeze cooked shells in portions or whole dish for up to 2-3 months. Reheat from frozen (covered) at 375°F (190°C) for 45-60 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 5-7 minutes.
Freezing (Unbaked): Assemble, cover tightly, and freeze. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed, adding 10-15 minutes to baking time.
Reheating from Refrigerator: Microwave individual portions for 2-4 minutes, or bake a larger batch (covered) at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes.