Description
Looking for the ultimate comfort food that’s quick to prep and delicious enough for guests? These Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Shells are a standout in easy dinner ideas. Creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and savory marinara come together inside tender pasta shells for a mouthwatering, family-friendly dish. Perfect for meal prepping, this recipe is freezer-friendly and ideal for anyone hunting for cozy, healthy snack or dinner ideas. Whether you need a quick weeknight option or a crowd-pleasing casserole, this easy recipe fits the bill.
Ingredients
20 jumbo pasta shells
15 oz ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, plus extra for topping
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 large egg
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3 cups marinara sauce
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta shells in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cool water.
3. In a bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, spinach, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
5. Fill each shell with 1–2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture and place in the dish, open side up.
6. Cover the stuffed shells with the remaining marinara sauce and top with extra mozzarella and Parmesan.
7. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
8. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
9. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
10. Garnish with fresh herbs and enjoy!
Notes
Drain the spinach well to avoid a watery filling.
Cook pasta shells just until al dente to prevent tearing.
Be generous with the sauce to keep the dish moist and flavorful.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg