Description
Delicious jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy ricotta and spinach mixture, baked in marinara sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12–15 Jumbo pasta shells
- 15 oz Ricotta cheese
- 2 cups Fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 large Egg
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 2 cups Marinara sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Filling: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Then, add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Mix the Cheese Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and the sautéed spinach mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Stuff the Pasta Shells: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the cheese and spinach mixture. Place the stuffed shells in a greased baking dish, opening side up.
- Add Marinara Sauce: Pour marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are well covered. Sprinkle any remaining mozzarella or Parmesan on top.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Once baked, let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
These stuffed shells can be paired with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or freeze unbaked shells for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: spinach, ricotta, pasta shells, vegetarian, baked pasta, comfort food
