Stuffed Shells

Learn how to make the best Stuffed Shells with creamy ricotta, spinach, and a rich marinara sauce baked to perfection. This easy recipe combines jumbo pasta shells filled with cheesy goodness, topped with melty mozzarella for a comforting Italian-inspired dish. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping, this classic recipe includes tips, substitutions, and serving ideas. Whether you’re looking for a vegetarian dinner option or ways to add protein, these stuffed shells are customizable, freezer-friendly, and sure to please any crowd.

Ingredients

Pasta:

• 18-20 jumbo pasta shells (boil extra in case some break)

Filling:

• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups spinach
• 15 oz. ricotta cheese
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded (divided)
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese
• 1 egg

Sauce:

• 24 ounces marinara sauce

Seasonings:

• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano

To Garnish:

• Fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pasta:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F.
   • Boil the pasta shells in salted water for 1 minute less than the al dente time on the package (approximately 13 minutes). Drain and rinse gently with cold water until cooled. Set aside.
2. Cook the Spinach:
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
   • Add the spinach and toss to coat. Cook for about 3 minutes, or until wilted. Optionally, slice the spinach into strips before cooking for smaller pieces. Allow to cool.
3. Prepare the Filling:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, salt, pepper, dried basil, dried parsley, and dried oregano. Mix well using a silicone spatula.
   • Add half of the mozzarella and most of the Parmesan (reserve some Parmesan for topping). Mix in the cream cheese and egg until smooth.
   • Fold in the cooled spinach and garlic mixture.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   • Spread half of the marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9×13-inch casserole dish or a 12-inch oven-safe skillet.
   • Fill each pasta shell with the ricotta mixture using a spoon and arrange them in the dish.
   • Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells, then sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and reserved Parmesan.
5. Bake:
   • Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
   • Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
   • Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting and Delicious: A classic Italian-inspired dish that’s rich, cheesy, and satisfying.
• Great for Entertaining: Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this dish is a crowd-pleaser.
• Easy to Customize: Adapt the filling or sauce to suit your taste and dietary needs.

Tips

• Boil extra pasta shells in case some tear during cooking.
• Let the spinach cool completely before mixing it into the ricotta to avoid melting the cheese.
• Use a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner cut off to fill the shells easily.

Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetarian Add-Ins: Mix in cooked mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted red peppers with the spinach.
• Protein Options: Add cooked ground beef, sausage, or shredded chicken to the filling.
• Sauce Swap: Use Alfredo sauce for a creamy variation or a spicy arrabbiata for a kick of heat.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake as directed when ready to serve.

Can I freeze stuffed shells?
Absolutely. Assemble the shells in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Serving

Serve these Stuffed Shells with a side of garlic bread or a fresh Caesar salad. Pair with a glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon for a complete Italian-inspired meal.

Suggestions

• Garnish with extra Parmesan or red pepper flakes for added flavor.
• Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a gourmet touch.
• Serve alongside roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli for a balanced plate.