Description
Delicious Italian-American baked stuffed shells filled with a creamy ricotta and spinach mixture, topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a comforting vegetarian main course that’s easy to prepare and family-friendly.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauce
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 3 cups marinara sauce
Cheese Filling
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pasta Shells: Cook the jumbo pasta shells in boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and make them easier to handle.
- Make Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, chopped spinach (if using), Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Assemble the Dish: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Stuff each cooked shell with the cheese mixture and place them open side up in the dish in a single layer.
- Add Sauce and Cheese Topping: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the arranged shells and sprinkle with the remaining ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese for a golden topping.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the filling to heat through.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is lightly golden and melted.
- Rest and Serve: Let the stuffed shells rest for 5 minutes outside the oven before serving, allowing them to set for easier plating and enhanced flavor.
Notes
- For a heartier version, add cooked ground beef or sausage to the marinara sauce before assembling.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer before baking for convenience.
- Using fresh spinach adds a nutritious touch, but it is optional and can be omitted.
- Make sure to handle the pasta shells gently to prevent tearing during stuffing.
