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In the world of comfort food, few dishes can rival the appeal of Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells. This Italian classic effortlessly marries the heartiness of pasta with a creamy, flavorful filling, making it a favorite among families and food lovers alike. In addition to being delicious, this recipe is a great solution for anyone seeking quick and healthy meal options. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal cooking time, you can whip up a dish that is not only satisfying but also packed with nutrition.

Easy Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Indulge in this easy and delicious Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells recipe! Perfect for a cozy dinner, each jumbo shell is filled with a creamy ricotta and spinach mixture, topped with marinara and gooey mozzarella. With a quick prep time of just 15 minutes and a total cook time of 50 minutes, this dish serves 4 and is ideal for family meals or gatherings. Garnish with fresh basil for a pop of color. Enjoy a taste of Italy tonight!

Ingredients
  

20 jumbo pasta shells

2 cups ricotta cheese

1 cup fresh spinach, chopped

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 egg

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

2 cups marinara sauce

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.

    Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, ½ cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.

      Stuff the Shells: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Using a teaspoon or small piping bag, carefully fill each cooked pasta shell with the ricotta and spinach mixture.

        Prepare the Baking Dish: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Place the stuffed shells seam side up on top of the sauce.

          Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella cheese on top.

            Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

              Serve: Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4