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The Best Easy Ricotta Stuffed Shells

The Best Easy Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Delight in the classic taste of Italy with these creamy Ricotta Stuffed Shells, filled with cheese and spinach.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course main dish
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

  • Oven
  • large pot
  • skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • baking dish

Ingredients
  

  • 12 jumbo shells jumbo pasta shells
  • 1.5 cups ricotta cheese
  • 0.25 teaspoon nutmeg optional
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded plus extra for topping
  • 0.5 cup parmesan cheese grated
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup fresh spinach chopped or ½ cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • If using fresh spinach, wash and chop it finely. If using frozen spinach, ensure it’s thawed and squeeze out any excess water.

Cook the Pasta Shells

  • In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the jumbo pasta shells until they’re al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Filling

  • In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
  • Add the spinach and cook until wilted (if using fresh) or heated through (if using frozen). Season with salt and pepper.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, egg, nutmeg (if using) and the sautéed spinach mixture. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.

Assemble the Dish

  • Spread a layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of a baking dish.
  • Carefully stuff each pasta shell with the cheese and spinach mixture and place them seam side up in the dish.
  • Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle additional mozzarella on top.

Bake

  • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Nutrition

Serving: 1dishCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 15gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg
Keyword dinner, easy recipe, family meal, Pasta, ricotta, Stuffed Shells
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