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Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these cheesy, flavorful stuffed shells! Tender pasta shells are filled with a creamy ricotta-spinach mixture, nestled in rich marinara sauce, and baked to perfection. This dish is perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, delivering classic Italian flavors with every bite.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Shells:
  • 18 –20 jumbo pasta shells uncooked
For the Tomato Sauce:
  • 2 cups marinara sauce store-bought or homemade
For the Ricotta Filling:
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 ½ cups steamed chopped spinach
  • 1 clove garlic grated
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • ⅓ cup grated pecorino cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
For Garnish (Optional):
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Additional grated pecorino cheese

Method
 

Prepare the Spinach:
  1. Steam the spinach until tender and vibrant green. Transfer to a strainer and squeeze out all excess moisture. Roughly chop.
Mix the Filling:
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, steamed spinach, grated garlic, oregano, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, and pecorino cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Stir until well blended.
Cook the Pasta Shells:
  1. Boil the jumbo pasta shells in salted water until just shy of al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
Stuff the Shells:
  1. Use a small spoon to fill each pasta shell with the ricotta mixture.
Assemble the Dish:
  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread 2 cups of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Nestle the stuffed shells into the sauce in a single layer.
Bake:
  1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the tops of the shells to lightly brown.
Serve:
  1. Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra pecorino cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

This stuffed shells recipe is simple, satisfying, and sure to become a family favorite. Whether served with a crisp salad or crusty garlic bread, it's the perfect dish for any occasion!

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