Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Looking for easy spinach recipes? These spinach and ricotta stuffed shells with creamy tomato sauce are a total winner! Comfort food with a gourmet twist. Get the recipe!

May 21, 2025
By Zelia Thorne.

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Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever find yourself staring into the fridge, wondering what to make? i have a new favorite! these spinach recipes are total game changers.

Imagine creamy, cheesy goodness with a touch of italian flair.

Brief Overview

Stuffed shells are an Italian-American classic. They're perfect for feeding a crowd. This version takes about an hour and fifteen minutes. It's medium difficulty. This recipe yields six generous servings.

Main Benefits

Spinach packs a nutritional punch! It's full of vitamins. This dish is ideal for cozy family dinners. Honestly, it's the creamy tomato sauce that makes it special.

Ready to get cooking?

Diving into the Stuffing: The Heart of the Dish

The filling is where the magic happens. it all starts with that humble leafy green: spinach. we're not talking limp, sad spinach either! we want vibrant, fresh spinach .

Don't skimp on this! this is where all the magic happens and it really changes the taste of your pasta dinners .

Sautéing the spinach with onion and garlic brings out its earthy sweetness. pro tip: squeeze out all the excess water from the cooked spinach.

Nobody wants a soggy shell. this step is crucial, trust me on this one.

And then comes the ricotta. oh, my gosh, use the good stuff! whole milk ricotta makes all the difference. it's so creamy and adds the perfect tang.

Mix that with grated parmesan spinach and fresh herbs, and you've got a filling that's out of this world. it is the easiest way of creating pasta dinner recipes .

Swimming in Sauce: Tomato Heaven

The sauce is equally important, and that is why we will be making this sauce extra tasty with fresh basil, cream and the best tomatoes you can find.

Start with garlic in olive oil until fragrant, then add crushed tomatoes, oregano, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if you're feeling brave!).

Simmer that for a bit, letting the flavors meld together. then, the secret weapon: heavy cream! it transforms the sauce into a velvety dream.

Finally, fresh basil to finish? come on, this is what makes spinach mushroom pasta and every other pasta skillet , perfect.

You can also make a vegetarische diners .

This recipe is very similar to the spinach mushroom pasta skillet . you can also use this in case you are having vegetarian weeknight dinners .

Or maybe you just want some mushroom pasta

Time to grab those ingredients, and let’s get cooking!

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need for these amazing spinach and ricotta stuffed shells! honestly, this recipe feels like a warm hug, and it's simpler than you think.

We're making some seriously delicious vegetarian weeknight dinners , but fancy enough for company.

Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe Card

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Preparation time:30 Mins

Cooking time:45 Mins

Servings:6 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450g) jumbo pasta shells
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped (about ½ cup)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 10 ounces (280g) fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 15 ounces (425g) ricotta cheese, preferably whole milk
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 28 ounces (800g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil

Instructions:

• Cook the pasta shells according to package directions, until al dente. Drain and toss with olive oil and salt to prevent sticking.
• Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until softened. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Drain excess liquid.
• In a large bowl, combine the cooked spinach mixture with ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, basil, parsley, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Mix well.
• Sauté garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 15 minutes. Stir in heavy cream and basil.
• Spoon or pipe the ricotta-spinach mixture into each cooked pasta shell.
• Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce in the bottom of the baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells in the dish. Pour the remaining sauce over the shells. Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese.
• Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Let cool slightly before serving.

Ingredients & Equipment for Delicious Spinach Recipes

First, let’s gather the main players for our Spinach Recipes. I remember once trying to wing it and forgetting the nutmeg. Don't be me. It really does make a difference!

Main Ingredients

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: 1 pound (450g). Look for shells that are intact and not broken.
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon for pasta, 1 tablespoon for filling, 1 tablespoon for sauce. Extra virgin is always my go-to.
• Onion: 1 small , finely chopped (about ½ cup). Yellow or white works great.
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced for the filling, 2 cloves for the sauce. Fresh is best!
• Fresh Spinach: 10 ounces (280g), roughly chopped. Make sure it's bright green and not wilted. Frozen spinach will work too! Just squeeze out all the water after thawing.
• Ricotta Cheese: 15 ounces (425g), preferably whole milk. Seriously, splurge on the good stuff. It’s worth it.
• Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup grated, plus more for topping. I love using freshly grated! You know?
• Egg: 1 large , lightly beaten. This helps bind the filling.
• Fresh Basil: ¼ cup , chopped for filling, ¼ cup for sauce. The smell alone makes me happy.
• Fresh Parsley: ¼ cup , chopped for filling. Flat-leaf (Italian) parsley is my fave.
• Crushed Tomatoes: 28 ounces (800g). San Marzano tomatoes are the bomb if you can find them.
• Heavy Cream: ½ cup . This makes the sauce super luscious.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon for pasta, ½ teaspoon for filling, ½ teaspoon for sauce.
• Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon for filling. Freshly ground is always better.
• Nutmeg: Pinch for filling. Trust me on this one!
• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon for sauce.
• Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon (optional) for sauce. For a little kick!

These ingredients work together beautifully in this Spinach Mushroom Pasta dish!

Seasoning Notes

The magic in this recipe comes from the right balance of flavors. For that classic Italian taste, you'll need:

• Essential Spice Combinations: Basil, oregano, and a pinch of nutmeg work wonders here.
• Flavor Enhancers and Aromatics: Garlic and onion are essential for building that rich base. Red pepper flakes add a touch of heat, if you're into that.
• Quick Substitution Options: If you don't have fresh herbs, dried herbs work in a pinch! Use about 1 teaspoon of dried herb for every tablespoon of fresh.

Equipment Needed

You don't need fancy gadgets. Just the basics:

• Essential Tools: Large pot, skillet, 9x13 inch baking dish, mixing bowls.
• Common Household Alternatives: If you don't have a baking dish, a large oven-safe skillet works too! You could even try vegetarische diners with these ingredients.

This pasta skillet recipe is incredibly versatile! don’t be afraid to get creative. we have so many pasta dinner recipes to choose from.

Remember to adjust the seasoning to your taste. it's all about having fun in the kitchen!

This recipe is so easy. I am sure you will enjoy making this.

Okay, mate, let's get this spinach and ricotta stuffed shells recipe sorted. honestly, it's easier than it sounds, and the payoff is huge.

Think proper comfort food, yeah? perfect for those vegetarian weeknight dinners . we can even call it a vegetarische diners , because, why not?

Cooking Method: Baking Like a Boss

Baking these stuffed shells is what brings it all together. The oven transforms everything into a bubbly, cheesy, comforting masterpiece. It is also one of the most well-known Pasta Dinners .

Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

• Essential mise en place: First, you need to chop that onion and garlic. Get your herbs minced, and spinach roughly chopped. I'm a lazy cook, but these few steps saved me tons of time. Seriously, it's like having a sous chef.
• Time-saving organization tips: Measure out your cheese. Whisk that egg. Everything within arm's reach! Remember: the best Pasta Dinner Recipes is one that is well-organized.
• Safety reminders: Ovens get hot! Use oven mitts. Don't be a hero, you know? Seriously, burns are not fun.

Step-by-Step Process: Baking the Goodness

1. Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . This part is important.
2. Spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce in your 9x13 inch baking dish. This prevents sticking. Plus, you want sauce everywhere.
3. Arrange those stuffed shells, nice and snug, in the dish. Make them look pretty. I'm a fan of the criss-cross pattern.
4. Pour the remaining sauce over the shells. Get every shell covered.
5. Sprinkle generously with extra Parmesan cheese. Parmesan Spinach just goes well together, you know? I would not miss this step.
6. Bake for 25- 30 minutes . Check for bubbly, melty cheese.
7. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Honestly, it's molten lava at first. Patience, my friend.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Shell Game

• Don't overcook the pasta! Al dente is key. It helps that Spinach Mushroom Pasta have structural integrity. No one wants mushy shells.
• Drain that spinach properly. Watery filling is gross. Squeeze it out with your hands. Honestly, get in there! This will improve your Spinach Recipes .
• Make-ahead option: Assemble the dish ahead of time. Cover, and refrigerate. Add 10 minutes to baking time. Perfect for when you're expecting company.

This pasta skillet of stuffed shells is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. it's cheesy, it's saucy, it's packed with spinach mushroom . and hey, if you want to add mushrooms to the filling, go for it! this will make it a proper spinach mushroom pasta skillet .

Honestly, Spinach Mushroom just goes so well with pasta, you know? It's a match made in heaven. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes: Making Our Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Shine

Honestly, perfecting a recipe takes time. we want this parmesan spinach mushroom pasta skillet – okay, maybe not exactly that, but this stuffed shells recipe – to be amazing.

So, let's dive into some notes to help you along. and hey, even the most seasoned cooks learn something new every day!

Serving Like a Pro

Presentation matters! These stuffed shells look stunning on their own. But a little extra effort goes a long way.

• Plating: Picture this: two or three shells artfully arranged on a plate. A sprinkle of fresh basil. Drizzle of balsamic glaze. Chef's kiss!
• Sides: Garlic bread is a must. Honestly, who can resist? A simple side salad cuts through the richness.
• Drinks: An Italian red wine like Chianti is always a winner. For a non-alcoholic option, try sparkling water with lemon.

Storage Savvy

Storing leftovers properly is key! No one wants food poisoning. Eww.

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container. They're good for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Let the shells cool completely. Then, freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through. You can also microwave them. But the oven keeps them from getting soggy. I've learned that the hard way.

Twists and Turns: Variations for Everyone

Got dietary restrictions? No problem! This recipe is super adaptable. These Vegetarische Diners are to die for.

• Vegetarian : It's already vegetarian! But you can add more veggies. Roasted zucchini or eggplant would be delish.
• Lighter : Use part-skim ricotta. Swap the heavy cream for evaporated milk. Boom! Healthier.
• Meat Lovers : Add cooked Italian sausage to the filling. Ground beef works too.

Nutrition Nuggets

Let's talk nutrition! Simplified, of course. I'm no nutritionist.

• Each serving has roughly 550 calories.
• It's packed with protein (about 30g per serving). Thanks, ricotta!
• Spinach recipes like this one offer a good dose of fiber (around 5g) and nutrients.
• This Spinach Mushroom Pasta is great.

These Pasta Dinners aren't bad at all.

This recipe hits the spot. It’s easier than you think. Don’t be scared to try it. You got this! The Pasta Skillet and Spinach Mushroom is a delightful symphony to experience.