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Baked Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Classic Italian stuffed shells filled with creamy ricotta cheese, fresh spinach, and herbs, baked in marinara sauce with melted mozzarella. Perfect for weeknight dinners and meal prep.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 336

Ingredients
  

  • 12 jumbo pasta shells about half a box
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese full-fat recommended
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cups fresh spinach roughly chopped, or 1 cup frozen spinach thawed and drained
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Skillet
  • Colander
  • Aluminum foil

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the jumbo shells for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain in a colander and set aside to cool for about 5 minutes while you prepare the filling.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella (1/2 cup), Parmesan, and egg. Mix thoroughly with a spoon or spatula until smooth and well blended.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and add the minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant and lightly golden. Toss in the chopped spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until completely wilted. If using fresh spinach, let it cool slightly and squeeze out any excess moisture with paper towels.
  4. Add the cooled spinach mixture to your cheese blend and stir well to distribute evenly. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings.
  5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  6. Take each cooled shell and fill with about 2 tablespoons of the ricotta-spinach mixture using a spoon. Arrange them in a single layer in the baking dish with the open side facing up, making sure shells aren't touching.
  7. Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over and around the stuffed shells. Sprinkle the reserved 1/2 cup of mozzarella evenly over the top.
  8. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and turning golden brown at the edges.
  9. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with torn fresh basil if desired.

Notes

Full-fat ricotta yields the creamiest filling. If using frozen spinach, squeeze out all excess water to prevent watery filling. Shells can be assembled ahead and frozen for up to 3 months before baking. Add 15-20 extra minutes to covered baking time when baking from frozen.