Why You’ll Love These Creamy Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells

There’s something undeniably comforting about a dish of Creamy Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells. Here’s why this recipe is a must-try:

  • Flavorful Filling: The combination of creamy ricotta cheese, sautéed spinach, fragrant garlic, and savory Parmesan creates a filling that’s both rich and satisfying.
  • Easy to Customize: This Creamy Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily add other vegetables, different cheeses, or even a touch of protein to the filling. For more customization ideas, explore our post on [Placeholder for Internal Link 2: Link to a relevant blog post about pasta filling variations, e.g., “Delicious Variations for Stuffed Pasta”].
  • Perfect for Meal Prep: You can assemble these Creamy Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells ahead of time and bake them when you’re ready, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Everyone loves a good pasta bake! This Creamy Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells recipe is always a hit at gatherings and potlucks. You can find great sauce recipes on websites like Outbound Link 2: Allrecipes’ Marinara Sauce Recipe.

How to Make Delicious Creamy Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Creating this comforting pasta dish is easier than you might think! Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  1. Cook the Pasta Shells: Cook jumbo pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain them well and set aside. For tips on cooking pasta perfectly, you can refer to resources like Outbound Link 1: Bon Appétit’s Guide to Cooking Pasta.
  2. Prepare the Spinach: If using fresh spinach, wash it thoroughly and sauté it in a skillet with a little olive oil and minced garlic until wilted. Drain any excess liquid by squeezing the spinach. If using frozen spinach, thaw it completely and squeeze out the excess water.
  3. Make the Ricotta Filling: In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, cooked spinach, grated Parmesan cheese, an egg (to bind the filling), minced garlic (if not already used with spinach), salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings like nutmeg or Italian herbs. Mix everything together until well combined.
  4. Assemble the Stuffed Shells: Spoon the creamy spinach and ricotta mixture into each cooked pasta shell until they are nicely filled.
  5. Prepare the Sauce: Choose your favorite pasta sauce. Marinara, tomato, or even a creamy béchamel sauce work wonderfully with these stuffed shells. You can find great sauce recipes on websites like Outbound Link 2: Allrecipes’ Marinara Sauce Recipe.
  6. Assemble and Bake: Spread a layer of your chosen sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the filled pasta shells over the sauce. Pour the remaining sauce over the shells. You can also sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese on top for a golden and bubbly finish.
  7. Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese (if used) is melted and lightly browned.
  8. Rest and Serve: Let the Creamy Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley, if desired. For tips on cooking pasta perfectly, you can refer to resources like Outbound Link 1: Bon Appétit’s Guide to Cooking Pasta.

Tips for Perfect Stuffed Shells

Here are a few helpful tips:

Assemble the stuffed shells and sauce in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: The shells should be al dente as they will continue to cook in the oven.

Drain Spinach Well: Excess liquid in the spinach will make the filling watery.

Use Quality Ricotta: Fresh, whole-milk ricotta will give you the best creamy texture.

Don’t Overfill the Shells: Leave a little space so the filling doesn’t spill out during baking.

Customize Your Sauce: Feel free to use your favorite homemade or store-bought sauce. For inspiration, check out our post on [Placeholder for Internal Link 3: Link to a relevant blog post about pasta sauces, e.g., “Easy Homemade Pasta Sauce Recipes”].

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR