Introduction
Get ready for a pasta party with these Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells! They’re cheesy, hearty, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. This delightful dish combines the creaminess of ricotta cheese with the nutritious goodness of spinach, all nestled in tender jumbo pasta shells and topped with marinara sauce. It’s comfort food at its finest and sure to be a hit at your next gathering!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
- For the Filling:
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup cooked spinach, chopped
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Sauce:
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- For the Pasta:
- 18 jumbo pasta shells
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Give it a chance to warm up while we prep this deliciousness.
2. Cook those jumbo pasta shells in salted boiling water until al dente. Not too soft, because they’re getting more oven love later! Drain and set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, chopped spinach, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until it’s one happy cheesy family.
4. Pour about 1 cup of marinara sauce into a baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a flavorful bed for your shells.
5. Stuff each shell with the ricotta-spinach mix and place them, open side up, in the baking dish atop the marinara.
6. Cover the stuffed shells with the remaining marinara sauce, making sure they’re all snuggly tucked in for a saucy bath.
7. Sprinkle extra mozzarella on top, just because more cheese is always a good idea.
8. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
9. Let it cool slightly before digging in, but the suspense will be deliciously worth it.
Bon Appetit, pasta lovers, and don’t forget to share the love (and recipe) with your foodie friends!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Allow it to warm up while you prepare the filling and pasta.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Cook the jumbo pasta shells in salted boiling water until al dente. Be careful not to overcook; they will continue to cook in the oven. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, grated mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Step 4: Set Up the Baking Dish
Pour about 1 cup of marinara sauce into a baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom as a flavorful base for your stuffed shells.
Step 5: Stuff the Shells
Take each cooked pasta shell and stuff it with the ricotta and spinach mixture. Place the stuffed shells in the baking dish with the open side facing up.
Step 6: Add the Sauce
Cover the stuffed shells with the remaining marinara sauce, ensuring they are well-coated for plenty of flavor.
Step 7: Add Extra Cheese
Sprinkle additional grated mozzarella cheese on top of the stuffed shells for that extra cheesy goodness.
Step 8: Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Step 9: Cool Before Serving
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly. This will enhance the flavors and make serving easier.
Notes
Storage
Leftover stuffed shells can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
These stuffed shells can be frozen before baking. Wrap tightly and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding additional cooking time.
Customization
Feel free to customize the filling by adding other vegetables such as mushrooms or bell peppers, or by incorporating different herbs and spices to suit your taste.
Cook techniques
Preheating the Oven
Preheating the oven ensures that dishes cook evenly from the start. Always give your oven enough time to reach the desired temperature before placing your dish inside.
Cooking Pasta
When cooking pasta, it’s important to use salted boiling water and only cook it until it’s al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite, as the pasta will continue to cook in the oven.
Mixing the Filling
To create a smooth and cohesive filling, combine all filling ingredients in a mixing bowl. Make sure to thoroughly mix them until well blended for a consistent flavor.
Layering the Dish
Pouring marinara sauce into the baking dish before placing the shells helps to prevent sticking and adds moisture, ensuring that the shells are perfectly cooked.
Stuffing the Shells
Stuffing pasta shells can be messy! Use a spoon or small spatula to fill each shell generously. Make sure to leave some filling for topping if desired.
Baking
Baking the stuffed shells in the oven allows the flavors to meld and the cheese to melt beautifully. Keep an eye on them to achieve a golden and bubbly top.
FAQ
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling a day in advance. Just keep it refrigerated until you are ready to stuff and bake the shells.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
You can use cottage cheese or a vegan ricotta alternative if you’re looking for a different texture or dietary option.
Can these stuffed shells be frozen?
Absolutely! You can freeze the prepared stuffed shells before baking. Just make sure to wrap them tightly or place them in an airtight container.
How do I know when the shells are done baking?
The stuffed shells are ready when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
What should I serve with Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells?
These stuffed shells pair wonderfully with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables.
Conclusion
This Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells recipe is perfect for a delightful gathering or a cozy dinner at home. Enjoy the cheesy goodness and share it with loved ones!
