Ingredients
Scale
- 20 large pasta shells
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 jar marinara sauce (around 24 oz)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the large pasta shells until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside to cool.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, cooked spinach, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until well combined.
- Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each cooked shell with the spinach ricotta mixture. Be generous but careful to avoid overfilling.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells upright in the dish, then cover with remaining marinara sauce. Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbling and cheese is melted. For a golden top, remove foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley. Serve hot with a side salad or crusty bread. Optionally, drizzle with balsamic glaze or sprinkle red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
Notes
- If using frozen spinach, thaw and drain thoroughly before adding to the filling.
- For vegan variations, substitute vegan cheese and use plant-based ricotta alternatives.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 shell
- Calories: 350 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
