The aroma of bubbling cheese and fresh spinach wafts through the air, promising a warm, comforting experience with every bite. Cheesy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells are not just a dish; they are an event, an explosion of flavors that dances on your taste buds like a well-rehearsed ballet. baked spinach mushroom quesadillas.
Picture this: a cozy night in, laughter echoing around the table as everyone digs into these delightful pasta shells filled with creamy ricotta and vibrant spinach. big mac pasta salad This dish has become a staple for family gatherings and dinner parties—it’s practically a culinary hug.
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] Cheesy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells are incredibly easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners stress-free. The rich flavors combine beautifully, creating a delicious melange that pleases everyone. Their gorgeous presentation makes them perfect for impressing guests at any occasion. Plus, they are versatile enough to customize based on personal preferences or dietary needs. [/info_box]
I remember the first time I made these stuffed shells; my friends devoured them in minutes, claiming they were the best thing since sliced bread.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Large Pasta Shells: These hold the cheesy filling perfectly; look for good quality pasta to avoid breakage.
Ricotta Cheese: Opt for fresh ricotta for creaminess; it adds a delightful texture to the filling.
Fresh Spinach: Choose vibrant green leaves; sautéing enhances its flavor before mixing with cheese.
Parmesan Cheese: Grate your own for a fresher taste; it adds depth to the filling and topping.
Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite jarred sauce or homemade for extra love; it ties everything together beautifully.
Eggs: They help bind the filling together; use large eggs for consistency.
Garlic Powder: A pinch elevates the flavor profile of the filling; it’s a must-have. honey garlic chicken breasts.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all other flavors in the dish.
Dried Oregano and Basil: These herbs add an aromatic touch that complements the cheese wonderfully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While waiting, rinse spinach under cold water and chop it finely before sautéing until wilted.
Cook Pasta Shells: Boil water in a large pot and cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain them carefully—no one likes torn shells!
Create the Filling: In a large bowl, mix ricotta cheese, sautéed spinach, grated Parmesan, eggs, garlic powder, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil until combined. This mixture should be creamy yet firm.
Stuff Those Shells!: Using a spoon or piping bag (if you’re feeling fancy), fill each shell generously with the cheesy mixture. Aim for perfection but don’t stress if some spill over—more cheese is always better!
Add Marinara Sauce : Spread half of your marinara sauce at the bottom of a baking dish. Place stuffed shells on top and cover them with remaining sauce before sprinkling additional Parmesan for that cheesy crust.
Bake to Perfection : Cover with foil and bake for about 25 minutes. Remove foil during the last 10 minutes to allow cheese to brown slightly—it’s all about that golden goodness!
With these steps complete, you’ll have a plateful of Cheesy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells ready to delight any crowd! Enjoy every cheesy bite while basking in compliments from family and friends—you deserve it! greek roasted potatoes.
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] Cheesy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells are not just delicious; they can also be customized with your favorite cheeses or veggies. The aroma of baking cheese fills your kitchen, making it a cozy gathering spot for family and friends. This dish is perfect for impressing guests without too much effort. [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling the pasta shells until al dente. Meanwhile, mix the spinach and ricotta filling. Once the shells cool slightly, stuff them with the cheesy goodness, and then nestle them in a baking dish with marinara sauce before popping them in the oven.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out spinach for kale or add grilled chicken for extra protein. You can also use different cheeses like mozzarella or feta to elevate the flavor profile of these stuffed shells. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a delightful kick. For more inspiration, check out this Delicious Cajun Lasagna recipe.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes until heated through.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] Always make sure to cook your shells al dente to prevent sogginess when baking. Layering sauce underneath prevents sticking and adds moisture during cooking. Letting them rest after baking enhances flavors and makes serving easier. [/info_box]
It was my cousin’s birthday when I first made these Cheesy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells. Everyone raved about how creamy and flavorful they were! Even my notoriously picky uncle went back for seconds, which was a miracle. For more inspiration, check out this Cheesy Mushroom Chicken Alfredo Lasagna recipe.
FAQ
Can I make Cheesy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them a day in advance and bake just before serving.
What type of cheese works best in this recipe?
Ricotta and mozzarella create a beautifully creamy texture that pairs perfectly with spinach.
Can I freeze stuffed shells for later use?
Absolutely! Just freeze before baking for a quick meal later on.
Cheesy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Cheesy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells are a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for family dinners and gatherings. These large pasta shells are generously filled with creamy ricotta, fresh spinach, and aromatic herbs, all baked in marinara sauce and topped with golden Parmesan. Each bite is an indulgent blend of flavors that will leave your guests raving. Simple to prepare and easy to customize, this recipe promises an unforgettable meal that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6 (12 stuffed shells) 1x
Ingredients
- 12 large pasta shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Boil water in a large pot and cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain carefully.
- In a skillet, sauté chopped spinach until wilted; set aside.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, sautéed spinach, grated Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil until well combined.
- Fill each shell with the cheese mixture using a spoon or piping bag.
- Spread half of the marinara sauce at the bottom of a baking dish; place stuffed shells on top.
- Cover with remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle additional Parmesan on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; remove foil for the last 10 minutes to brown the cheese.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells (200g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Customize fillings by adding grilled chicken or different cheeses like mozzarella or feta. For added flavor kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the top before serving.
