Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Introduction

Few dishes strike the perfect balance between comfort food and crowd pleaser like Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells. This classic Italian-inspired meal looks impressive but comes together with straightforward steps and minimal prep time. It’s creamy, hearty, and packed with nutritious spinach, making it an ideal option for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or when you’re aiming for satisfying vegetarian fare.

Why These Stuffed Shells Always Impress

Loaded with creamy ricotta, tender spinach, melty mozzarella, and tangy marinara sauce, these baked shells are pure comfort in every bite. The bold flavors and bubbling cheese make it a guaranteed family favorite—plus, it’s simple to customize with pantry staples or extra veggies for added nutrition.

Secrets to the Best Spinach and Ricotta Filling

For the creamiest filling, start by thoroughly draining your ricotta and squeezing as much moisture as possible from the spinach. Freshly grated parmesan adds savory depth, while a touch of nutmeg enhances the overall flavor. Don’t skip the egg, which helps bind everything so the filling stays perfectly tucked inside the shells as they bake.

Perfectly Stuffing and Baking Your Shells

Once your jumbo pasta shells are cooked and cooled, spoon the rich spinach and ricotta mixture inside each shell. Arrange them over a generous layer of marinara sauce in your baking dish, then cover with more sauce and a blanket of mozzarella. Cover with foil for an ultra gooey center, then uncover and bake briefly for a golden, bubbly top.

Serving Ideas for a Complete Meal

Serve these Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells with a crisp green salad and a side of garlic bread for a balanced, satisfying meal. A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley adds color and freshness. It’s a standout main dish for casual family dinners, meatless Mondays, or dinner parties with friends.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 4–6 servings, depending on appetites. Each serving offers approximately 350–420 calories—an excellent option for a filling, well-rounded vegetarian entree packed with protein, calcium, and vitamins from the spinach and cheese.

Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells (Recap)

Hearty enough for any occasion but easy enough for busy weeknights, these stuffed shells combine creamy, cheesy goodness with a satisfying dose of greens. Their beautiful presentation and wholesome flavor make them a repeat favorite from your kitchen.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to generate a smart shopping list with all your ingredients organized by store section. This makes meal prep a breeze and streamlines your next grocery run!

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook jumbo shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cool water to prevent sticking. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta, drained spinach, egg, 1 cup mozzarella, parmesan, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Mix until well blended.
4. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
5. Fill each cooled shell with 1–2 tablespoons of the spinach and ricotta mixture and arrange in the baking dish, open side up.
6. Pour remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Let cool slightly before garnishing with fresh basil or parsley and serving.

Weekly Meal Planning

These Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells are perfect for meal prepping and saving for later in the week. Save and schedule this recipe in your weekly meal plan to effortlessly generate a master shopping list that combines ingredients from all your planned meals.

Planning Benefits:

• Automates grocery lists for all your selected recipes
• Groups ingredients by store department for efficient shopping
• Helps prevent food waste by tracking ingredient overlaps
• Brings more variety and balance to your weekly dinners

Pro tip: When you’re planning several meals, schedule your dishes so shared ingredients are consolidated, making shopping straightforward and saving you time in the kitchen.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes