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5 from 1 vote

Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

These stuffed shells are filled with spinach and ricotta cheese, then covered in marinara sauce and baked to perfection. It's classic comfort food and a family favorite!
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Course: Entree
Cuisine: Italian American
Servings: 6
Calories: 409kcal

Ingredients

  • 24 jumbo pasta shells cooked al dente
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 4 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 onion finely diced
  • 2 garlic cloves finely minced
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cups mozzarella cheese divided
  • ¼ cup parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 3 cups marinara sauce
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. and spread 1 1/2 cups of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish. 
  • Cook the jumbo shells in boiling salted water for 8-9 minutes, then drain and allow them to cool a bit. 
  • Add the olive oil and onions to a large skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 15 seconds.
  • Stir in the spinach and cook for a few minutes or until it wilts and season with salt and pepper. 
  • Add the ricotta cheese, 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, and egg to a large bowl. Mix until well combined and season with salt and pepper. 
  • Add the cooked spinach mixture to the ricotta mixture and mix until well combined. 
  • Fill each shell with the ricotta mixture and place it in the baking dish. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells, sprinkle some extra parmesan cheese, and the remaining mozzarella cheese. 
  • Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes. 

Notes

  • Feel free to include mushrooms, broccoli, kale, or peppers. Just mix it in the ricotta cheese mixture.
  • I'm not a fan of crunchy shells, therefore I don't bake the shells uncovered for too long. Avoid broiling the shells if you don't like them crunchy.

Nutrition

Calories: 409kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.003g | Cholesterol: 110mg | Sodium: 1087mg | Potassium: 641mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 3197IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 527mg | Iron: 3mg