Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Jumbo pasta shells packed with a creamy ricotta and spinach filling, nestled in a rich marinara sauce, and blanketed with melted mozzarella. This classic Italian-American baked pasta is hearty, satisfying, and completely vegetarian — perfect for a cozy family dinner or a make-ahead weeknight meal.

6 servings · Prep 25 min · Cook 40 min · Total 65 min

Italian · Dinner · Main Course

Main

  • 12 oz jumbo pasta shells about 30–35 shells; cook a few extra in case of breakage
  • 24 oz marinara sauce store-bought or homemade
  • 0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese for topping

Filling

  • 32 oz whole-milk ricotta cheese
  • 10 oz frozen chopped spinach thawed and squeezed very dry
  • 1.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese divided — 1 cup for filling, ½ cup for topping
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese freshly grated preferred
  • 2 large eggs lightly beaten
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes

Garnish

  • 2 tbsp fresh basil torn or chiffonade

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Stovetop
  • Baking Dish
  • Aluminum Foil
  • Baking Sheet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Pot
  • Broiler
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Cookie Scoop
  • Jelly Roll (10x15)
  • Baking Dish (7 x 7)
  • Baking Dish (9 x 13)
  • Mixing Bowl (4 Quarts)
  • Colander

Instructions

  1. Bring a large #[Pot] of generously salted water to a boil. Cook the @[Jumbo Pasta Shells] for ~[2 minutes] less than the package directions (they'll finish cooking in the #[Oven]). Drain, rinse under cold water to stop cooking, and spread in a single layer on a lightly oiled #[Baking Sheet] to prevent sticking.
  2. Preheat the #[Oven] to ![375°F]. In a large #[Mixing Bowl], combine the @[Ricotta Cheese], squeezed-dry @[Spinach], 1 cup of the @[Mozzarella Cheese], @[Parmesan Cheese], @[Eggs], minced @[Garlic], @[Italian Seasoning], @[Kosher Salt], @[Black Pepper], and @[Red Pepper Flakes] (if using). Stir until fully combined and smooth.
  3. Spread 1 cup of @[Marinara Sauce] evenly across the bottom of a 9×13-inch #[Baking Dish]. Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, fill each shell with about 2 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture and arrange them open-side up in the dish in a single layer. Spoon the remaining @[Marinara Sauce] over and around the shells, then scatter the remaining ½ cup @[Mozzarella Cheese] evenly over the top.
  4. Cover the #[Baking Dish] tightly with #[Aluminum Foil] and bake for ~[25 minutes]. Remove the foil and bake for an additional ~[10–15 minutes], until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.
  5. Remove from the #[Oven] and let the dish rest for ~[5 minutes] before serving — this helps the filling set so the shells hold together. Garnish with fresh torn @[Basil] and an extra sprinkle of @[Parmesan Cheese] if desired. Serve hot.