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Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells

These spinach ricotta stuffed shells are super easy to make and loaded with creamy ricotta and spinach then smothered in tomato sauce.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 16 shells
Calories 146 kcal

Equipment

  • 11x7 inch baking dish

Ingredients
  

Filling

  • 10 ounces frozen spinach thawed and drained
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese grated
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil optional
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme optional

Shells

  • 16 jumbo pasta shells
  • 16 ounces pasta sauce
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • fresh pesto optional

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F.
  • Cook the jumbo shells according to package directions but reduce the cooking time by 1-2 minutes. Drain and then rinse the shells with cold water until they're completely cool and then lightly drizzle with a little olive oil.
  • Drain the thawed spinach and squeeze out as much excess water as possible.
  • In a large skillet heat the olive oil over medium high heat. Then add in the onion, garlic, and red pepper flakes and sauté until softened and beginning to brown. Add in the drained spinach and cook for another 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.
  • In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, egg, parmesan, salt, pepper, nutmeg, basil, and thyme. Then fold in the spinach mixture until fully incorporated. Set aside.
  • Pour about half of the tomato sauce into the bottom of a medium 2 quart baking dish. Set the rest aside.
  • Fill each jumbo pasta shell with about 2-3 tablespoons of the spinach ricotta mixture. Then arrange the filled shells in the baking dish.
  • Pour the remaining tomato sauce over top of the shells and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
  • Bake at 375°F for 25-35 minutes or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted.
  • Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh pesto if desired. Serve immediately.
  • Store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Notes

Prep in Advance: Fully assemble the stuffed shells in your baking dish, cover tightly, and store in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking. Just be sure to let the baking dish come up to room temperature for at least 30 minutes before baking so it doesn't crack! You may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time. Freeze: Assemble the stuffed shells in a freezer safe baking dish and freeze for up to 2 months. Let thaw in the fridge overnight then let the baking dish come up to room temperature for at least 30 minutes before baking so it doesn't crack! You may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Nutrition

Serving: 1shellCalories: 146kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 9gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.001gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 419mgPotassium: 228mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 2462IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 172mgIron: 1mg
Keyword comfort food, dinner, easy recipe, pasta, Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells, Vegetarian
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