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+ servings
ricotta and spinach stuffed shells

Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Who doesn't love a quick and easy recipe full of creamy ricotta and spinach, tucked into jumbo pasta shells and smothered in marinara sauce?
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients 

  • 20-24 jumbo pasta shells about half of a 9-oz box
  • kosher salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 8 ounces package frozen chopped spinach thawed and well-squeezed to remove water
  • 1 cup finely grated parmesan cheese plus more for serving about 3 ounces
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley finely chopped
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese about 8 ounces
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 cups marinara sauce homemade or store bought

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the shells, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until al dente, about 3 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain well and run under cold water to prevent further cooking. Drain again.
  • In a large bowl, lightly whisk the eggs. Stir in the ricotta, spinach, parmesan, parsley, and 1½ cups mozzarella. Season with ¼ teaspoon salt and pepper to taste. Transfer the filling to a gallon-size freezer bag.
  • Spread 1½ cups marinara sauce in a 9×13 baking dish. Snip off a corner of the bag with the filling and squeeze the filling into the shells, arranging 20-24 filled shells in the baking dish in a single layer. Top with the remaining marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.
  • Cover the pan tightly with foil. Bake until heated through and bubbling on the edges, 40 minutes. Uncover and continue baking about 10 minutes more, until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese has fully melted.
  • Let stand 5-10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with additional parmesan cheese before serving, if desired.

Notes

Note: To refrigerate and serve later: Before baking, the dish can be prepared up to 5 days in advance and refrigerated. Bake from the fridge, covered at 375°F for 40-45 minutes, until heated through.
To freeze and serve later: Before baking, the dish can be prepared in a freezer-to-ovenproof baking dish, covered tightly, and frozen for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen (no need to thaw) at 375°F, covered, until heated through in the center, and bubbling on the edges, about 1 hour. Uncover and bake until any liquid on the edges dries up, 15-20 minutes more.

Nutrition

Calories: 2238kcal · Carbohydrates: 87g · Protein: 157g · Fat: 145g · Saturated Fat: 83g · Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g · Monounsaturated Fat: 40g · Trans Fat: 0.03g · Cholesterol: 808mg · Sodium: 7297mg · Potassium: 3982mg · Fiber: 18g · Sugar: 32g · Vitamin A: 35787IU · Vitamin C: 84mg · Calcium: 3362mg · Iron: 17mg
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