The aroma of bubbling marinara sauce wafts through the air, mingling with the earthy scent of fresh spinach and creamy ricotta. Picture a cheesy, comforting dish that envelopes your taste buds in warmth and satisfaction. This is what Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells A Healthy Cheesy Vegetarian Dinner is all about.
Gather your loved ones around the table as the delightful flavors blend together, creating a meal that feels like a warm hug. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or an elegant gathering with friends, this dish promises to bring joy to any occasion. Get ready for an explosion of taste that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells are simple to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights
- The rich flavors of cheese and spinach create a delightful taste experience
- Visually stunning with their vibrant colors, they make an impressive centerpiece for any table
- This recipe is versatile enough to adapt to your pantry staples or dietary preferences
I still remember the first time I served these stuffed shells at a family gathering. My cousin took one bite and exclaimed, “This is like a hug from my grandma!” Who knew pasta could spark such nostalgia?
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Jumbo Pasta Shells: Choose large shells that can hold plenty of filling; look for those without cracks for best results.
Fresh Spinach: Opt for vibrant green leaves; baby spinach works well for its tender texture and milder flavor.
Ricotta Cheese: Fresh ricotta adds creaminess; consider using whole milk ricotta for richer flavor.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: A must-have for that gooey, melty topping; use low-moisture mozzarella for better melting.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan brings nuttiness; avoid pre-grated options for maximum flavor.
Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite jar or homemade sauce; a good quality sauce enhances the overall flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves infuse amazing aroma; minced garlic elevates the taste profile beautifully.
Olive Oil: A drizzle of high-quality olive oil enhances flavors; use it in moderation when sautéing spinach.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all flavors; adjust according to your taste preference.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Cook the Pasta Shells: Begin by boiling water in a large pot and adding salt once it reaches a rolling boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells until al dente according to package instructions, about 10 minutes.
Sauté the Spinach and Garlic: While the shells cook, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and fresh spinach, sautéing until wilted and fragrant—about 3 minutes should do it.
Prepare the Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, sautéed spinach, salt, pepper, and grated parmesan. Mix until well-blended and creamy.
Stuff the Shells: Once cooked and cooled slightly, carefully fill each shell with generous spoonfuls of the cheese mixture. Don’t be shy—make them plump!
Add Marinara Sauce to Baking Dish: Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. This helps prevent sticking while adding extra flavor.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Arrange stuffed shells in the dish over the sauce. Top with remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle with leftover mozzarella cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
By now you should be able to smell that heavenly combination wafting through your kitchen! Serve hot with crusty bread or a fresh salad on the side.
And there you have it—Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells A Healthy Cheesy Vegetarian Dinner that’ll make you feel like an Italian chef! Your friends will rave about this comforting meal while possibly hugging their plates (and maybe you too). Enjoy every cheesy moment!
You Must Know
- Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells are not just delicious; they’re also a great way to sneak in some greens
- The creamy ricotta pairs perfectly with the tender pasta, making it a family favorite
- Plus, they freeze well for quick weeknight dinners!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling the pasta shells first, then prepare the filling while they cook. Layer everything with sauce in a baking dish for even cooking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out spinach for kale or add some sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor. A sprinkle of nutmeg can elevate the ricotta filling too!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When cooking pasta, add salt to the water for better flavor absorption
- Fresh herbs can brighten up the dish significantly
- Ensure you don’t overfill your shells to avoid mess during baking
There’s nothing quite like watching my kids dive into these Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells, their faces lighting up with each cheesy bite—definitely worth every effort!
FAQ
Can I use whole wheat pasta shells?
Absolutely! Whole wheat adds nutrition without sacrificing flavor in your Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells.
What cheese can I substitute for ricotta?
Cottage cheese works well as a lighter alternative in stuffed shells recipes.
How do I make these shells gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta shells and ensure your sauce is also gluten-free for delicious results.
Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells. This healthy, cheesy vegetarian dinner features plump jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy ricotta and fresh spinach mixture, all topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this dish is not only easy to prepare but also visually stunning, making it an impressive centerpiece for any table.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells in salted boiling water until al dente (about 10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic and spinach until wilted (about 3 minutes).
- In a bowl, combine ricotta, half of the mozzarella, sautéed spinach, salt, and pepper until well mixed.
- Stuff each pasta shell with the cheese mixture.
- Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange stuffed shells in the dish, top with remaining marinara and mozzarella.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
