Description
Craving an easy recipe that’s comforting, satisfying, and perfect for both weeknight dinners and meal prep? These Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Shells are the ultimate answer. With tender jumbo shells filled with a rich ricotta, mozzarella, and spinach mixture, baked in marinara sauce, this is one of those perfect food ideas you’ll come back to often. It’s a healthy snack or quick dinner that looks fancy without the fuss—ideal for anyone looking for dinner ideas that feel cozy and delicious. Whether you’re searching for a quick breakfast-inspired bake, an easy dinner, or a comforting classic, this dish delivers!
Ingredients
20 jumbo pasta shells
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
2 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen, thawed and squeezed)
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 cups marinara sauce
2 tablespoons chopped parsley or basil (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, 1 cup of mozzarella, parmesan, spinach, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well until fully combined.
4. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Fill each pasta shell with about 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture.
6. Place the filled shells in the baking dish, open side up.
7. Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the top and sprinkle with the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella.
8. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
9. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and slightly golden.
10. Let rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh herbs and serving.
Notes
To prevent shells from sticking, lay them flat on a lightly oiled baking sheet after draining.
If using frozen spinach, be sure to squeeze out all the moisture for a non-watery filling.
Make it ahead by assembling everything the night before—just bake when ready!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 stuffed shells
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg