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Easy Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells

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Indulge in these creamy, cheese-filled jumbo pasta shells, smothered in marinara sauce and baked to golden perfection. The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and spinach creates a delightful filling, making this dish perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta Shells:

  • 12 jumbo pasta shells

For the Filling:

  • 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (plus extra for topping)
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (or ½ cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Sauce:

  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For Garnish:

  • Fresh basil or parsley

Instructions

  • Preparation:
    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
    • If using fresh spinach, wash and chop it finely. If using frozen spinach, thaw and squeeze out any excess water.
  • Cook the Pasta Shells:
    • In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the jumbo pasta shells until al dente.
    • Drain and set aside.
  • Prepare the Filling:
    • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
    • Add spinach and cook until wilted (fresh) or heated through (frozen). Season with salt and pepper.
    • In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, egg, nutmeg (if using), and the sautéed spinach mixture. Mix until well incorporated.
  • Assemble the Dish:
    • Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
    • Carefully stuff each pasta shell with the cheese and spinach mixture. Place them seam side up in the dish.
    • Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle additional mozzarella 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 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Serve:
    • Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling or sauce for a bit of heat.
  • If you want a more indulgent dish, top the stuffed shells with extra parmesan cheese before baking.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://easyfoodflash.com/easy-spinach-ricotta-stuffed-shells/