Stuffed shells are big pasta shells filled with a cheesy mixture that’s warm and comforting. You’ll love how they are baked in marinara sauce and topped with melty cheese!
Making these shells feels like a warm hug on a plate! My family goes wild for them, and I can’t resist sneaking a couple before serving. Who can say no to cheesy goodness? 🤤
What I really enjoy about stuffed shells is that they are easy to prepare. Just fill, bake, and enjoy! Perfect for a cozy dinner without a lot of fuss.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta Shells: The big, fun shells are essential for holding the filling. If you can’t find large shells, try using manicotti or even jumbo pasta shells. They all work well for stuffing!
Ricotta Cheese: This creamy cheese makes the filling smooth. You can substitute cottage cheese if you want a lower-fat option, but blend it a bit to achieve that creamy texture. A mix of cream cheese can also work for a richer flavor.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is best for flavor and texture, but frozen spinach is a great quick substitute. Just be sure it’s well-drained before mixing into the filling to avoid excess moisture.
Cheeses: I love using mozzarella and Parmesan for flavor and melty texture. If you’re looking for different flavors, you could add ricotta or feta, or even use vegan cheese options if needed.
Marinara Sauce: Homemade sauce is delicious, but store-bought works just fine for convenience. If you have a favorite pasta sauce, feel free to use that instead!
How Do I Stuff Pasta Shells Without Making a Mess?
Stuffing shells can be tricky but fun once you get the hang of it. Keep these tips in mind to make it easier:
- **Use a piping bag or zip-lock bag**: Fill the bag with the ricotta-spinach mixture, then snip the corner to squeeze the filling into each shell. This method keeps your hands clean and helps you control the amount.
- **Don’t overfill**: Just a generous spoonful in each shell is enough. Overstuffing can cause them to break or spill during baking.
- **Line them up neatly**: As you fill each shell, place them in the baking dish in straight rows. This makes a lovely presentation and helps ensure they cook evenly.
With these tips, you’ll be stuffing shells like a pro in no time!
Delicious Stuffed Shells with Ricotta and Spinach
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shells:
- 20 large pasta shells
For the Cheese Filling:
- 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning or dried basil/oregano
For Assembly:
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Olive oil (optional, for greasing the dish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15-20 minutes for prep work and another 30 minutes for baking. So, in total, plan for about 45-50 minutes to have these comforting stuffed shells ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pasta:
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Next, grab a large pot and fill it with water, adding some salt. Bring it to a boil, then add the pasta shells. Cook the shells until they are al dente, which usually takes about 8–10 minutes. Once done, drain them and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set the shells aside to cool.
2. Create Your Cheese Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, ½ cup of mozzarella, ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese, the egg, chopped spinach, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together until you have a well-mixed filling. It should look creamy and delicious!
3. Build the Dish:
Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom. Now, it’s time to stuff the shells! Take each cooked shell and fill it with the ricotta-spinach mixture. Place the stuffed shells open side up in the marinara sauce in the dish.
4. Top It Off:
Once you’ve filled all the shells, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the tops of the stuffed shells. Finish by sprinkling the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella and ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese over the top. This will create a melty, cheesy crust!
5. Bake and Enjoy:
Now, pop the dish into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t over-brown!
6. Final Touches and Serving:
When it’s done, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for that pop of color and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious, comforting stuffed shells!
This recipe offers you a delightful combination of flavors, with the creamy filling against the backdrop of rich marinara. It’s truly a crowd-pleaser for any occasion!
Can I Use Different Cheese in the Filling?
Absolutely! While ricotta is the traditional choice, you can mix in cottage cheese for a lighter option. Feta adds a tangy flavor, and cream cheese can provide extra richness. Just keep the same proportions for the best results!
Can I Make Stuffed Shells Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare and assemble the stuffed shells in advance! Just cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just add an additional 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
What Should I Serve with Stuffed Shells?
Stuffed shells pair beautifully with a simple side salad or garlic bread. You could also serve them with steamed vegetables or a light soup for a complete meal!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply use the microwave or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
