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Spinach and ricotta stuffed shells baked in marinara sauce with melted mozzarella in a white baking dish

Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy ricotta and spinach mixture, baked in marinara sauce with melted mozzarella. A classic Italian comfort food dinner that is vegetarian-friendly and perfect for meal prep.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 336

Ingredients
  

  • 12-15 jumbo pasta shells about half a box
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese full-fat recommended
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cups fresh spinach roughly chopped, or 1 cup frozen spinach thawed and thoroughly squeezed dry
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups marinara sauce divided
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 pinch nutmeg optional, for authentic Italian flavor
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • fresh basil leaves for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Skillet
  • Colander
  • Aluminum foil

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil. Cook jumbo pasta shells for 8-10 minutes until just al dente. Drain and lay out on lightly oiled foil or parchment to prevent sticking.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add chopped spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta, 1/2 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, and egg. Stir until smooth. Add cooked spinach and garlic. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and optional pinch of nutmeg. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  4. Preheat oven to 375F (190C). Spread 1 cup marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  5. Fill each shell with about 2 tablespoons of the ricotta-spinach mixture using a spoon or piping bag. Do not overstuff. Arrange open side up in a single layer in the baking dish.
  6. Spoon the remaining 1 cup marinara over the shells, covering each one well. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella evenly on top. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  7. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted, golden in spots, and bubbling at the edges. Rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Notes

Full-fat ricotta gives the creamiest filling. Cook pasta to al dente only as shells continue baking in the oven. If using frozen spinach, squeeze out all excess moisture before adding to filling. Assemble ahead and freeze up to 3 months before baking. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking.