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Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells

These spinach ricotta stuffed shells are super easy to make and loaded with creamy ricotta and spinach then smothered in tomato sauce.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 16 shells
Calories 146 kcal

Equipment

  • 11x7 inch baking dish

Ingredients
  

Filling

  • 10 ounces frozen spinach thawed and drained
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 0.5 cup parmesan cheese grated
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil optional
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme optional

Shells

  • 16 ounces pasta sauce
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • fresh pesto optional

Instructions
 

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F.
  • Cook the jumbo shells according to package directions but reduce the cooking time by 1-2 minutes. Drain and then rinse the shells with cold water until they're completely cool and then lightly drizzle with a little olive oil.
  • Drain the thawed spinach and squeeze out as much excess water as possible.
  • In a large skillet heat the olive oil over medium high heat. Then add in the onion, garlic, and red pepper flakes and sauté until softened and beginning to brown. Add in the drained spinach and cook for another 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.
  • In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, egg, parmesan, salt, pepper, nutmeg, basil, and thyme. Then fold in the spinach mixture until fully incorporated. Set aside.
  • Pour about half of the tomato sauce into the bottom of a medium 2 quart baking dish. Set the rest aside.
  • Fill each jumbo pasta shell with about 2-3 tablespoons of the spinach ricotta mixture. Then arrange the filled shells in the baking dish.
  • Pour the remaining tomato sauce over top of the shells and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
  • Bake at 375°F for 25-35 minutes or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted.
  • Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh pesto if desired. Serve immediately.
  • Store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Notes

This recipe makes 16 stuffed shells which is ½ a box. To use the whole box and make 32 shells, just double the filling recipe and you'll need a little extra tomato sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 1shellCalories: 146kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 8gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 480mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1.5mg
Keyword creamy, Easy, pasta, Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells, tomato sauce, vegetarian
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