Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe

Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells are a delicious way to enjoy a hearty, comforting meal. These pasta shells are filled with a delightful mixture of spinach and ricotta, topped with a savory marinara sauce, and baked until bubbly and golden. This recipe is not only easy to prepare, but it also embraces rich flavors, making it the ultimate choice for family dinners or gatherings with friends. You’ll find that every bite is both satisfying and packed with nutrients.

If you’re looking for a dish that combines comfort and nutrition, look no further. Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells offer the perfect balance of cheesy goodness and fresh greens. This delightful meal is ideal whether you are cooking for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner. With straightforward steps, even novice cooks can master this recipe and impress their loved ones with their culinary skills.

The beauty of Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells lies in their versatility. You can add in your favorite herbs or spices to customize the flavor, making this dish your own. Moreover, this recipe is perfect for meal prepping or leftovers, as the stuffed shells can be easily reheated for lunch or dinner the next day. Let's dive deeper into the reasons why you’ll love this recipe, the preparation time, the ingredients needed, step-by-step instructions, and serving suggestions.

Preparation and Cooking Time

To prepare Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells, you can expect the following time requirements:

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes

These times may vary slightly depending on your cooking experience, but this framework should provide a reliable estimate for your planning.

Ingredients

• 12-15 jumbo pasta shells
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 ½ cups fresh spinach, chopped (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
• 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
3. Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are well incorporated.
4. Stuff the Shells: Take each cooked pasta shell and fill it with the ricotta and spinach mixture using a spoon or piping bag.
5. Layer the Sauce: Spread 1/2 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a baking dish.
6. Arrange the Shells: Place the stuffed shells on top of the marinara sauce, in a single layer.
7. Top with Sauce and Cheese: Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top.
8. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

By following these steps, you'll be able to enjoy a delightful meal without the stress of complicated cooking techniques.

How to Serve

When it comes to serving Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells, here are some helpful tips:

1. Presentation: Serve the stuffed shells directly from the baking dish for a cozy, rustic appearance. Alternatively, transfer them to a serving platter for a more formal presentation.
2. Accompaniments: Pair the stuffed shells with a fresh garden salad or garlic bread to complete the meal.
3. Serving Size: Typically, 2-3 stuffed shells per person will be filling, depending on appetite. Offer extra sides to balance the meal.
4. Beverage Pairing: A glass of red wine or sparkling water complements the dish beautifully, enhancing the flavors of the marinara sauce and cheese.
5. Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be enjoyed the next day for lunch or dinner!

With these serving suggestions, you’ll create an inviting atmosphere that makes your Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells the star of the meal. Enjoy the delightful flavors and the smiles they bring to the table!

Additional Tips

• Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach enhances the flavor and texture. If using frozen spinach, ensure it is thoroughly drained to avoid excess moisture.
• Taste Your Filling: Before stuffing the shells, taste the ricotta mixture. This allows you to adjust the seasoning according to your preferences.
• Layering Sauce: Avoid skimping on the marinara sauce. A generous amount keeps the stuffed shells moist and adds flavor.
• Keep an Eye on Baking: Ovens can vary. Keep an eye on the stuffed shells towards the end of the baking time to prevent over-browning.

Recipe Variation

Here are some creative variations to put a twist on the Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells:

1. Meat Lovers Version: Add cooked ground beef, turkey, or sausage to the ricotta filling for a heartier option.
2. Spicy Kick: Mix in some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the spinach mixture for added heat.
3. Herbed Cheese Alternative: Use flavored cream cheese or goat cheese in place of ricotta for a different flavor experience.
4. Vegetable Medley: Incorporate roasted or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini into the filling for added nutrition and flavor.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage in the Refrigerator: Store any leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for about 3-4 days.
• Freezing: To freeze, assemble and bake the shells, then allow them to cool completely. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake until heated through.
• Reheating: When reheating, add a bit of water or extra marinara sauce to the bottom of the dish to maintain moisture.

Special Equipment

You will need the following equipment for this recipe:

• Large Pot: For boiling the pasta shells.
• Mixing Bowl: To combine the filling ingredients.
• Baking Dish: A 9×13 inch dish is ideal for baking the stuffed shells.
• Spoon or Piping Bag: For stuffing the shells with the ricotta mixture.
• Aluminum Foil: For covering the baking dish while it cooks.

Conclusion

Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells are a fantastic way to indulge in a comforting meal that is both delicious and nutritious. With their cheesy filling and the rich flavors of marinara, these stuffed shells are perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a family dinner or a party with friends, this dish brings warmth and joy to the table. Customizable and easy to prepare, you’ll find yourself returning to this ultimate recipe time and again. Enjoy the delightful flavors and the smiles they bring!