Stuffed Pasta Shells with Spinach & Ricotta

Stuffed Pasta Shells with Spinach & Ricotta is a classic comfort food dish featuring large pasta shells filled with a creamy mixture of spinach, ricotta cheese, and herbs, then baked in marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella. The result is a hearty, flavorful meal that’s perfect for a family dinner or any occasion that calls for a filling, delicious dish.

I first made Stuffed Pasta Shells when I was craving a comforting pasta dish, and it quickly became a family favorite. The spinach and ricotta filling was rich and creamy, perfectly complementing the tangy marinara sauce and gooey melted cheese on top. It was simple to prepare, and the entire dish was a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

What’s great about these stuffed pasta shells is how customizable they are. You can add extras like garlic, onions, or even mushrooms to the filling for extra flavor. You can also swap out the ricotta for other cheeses, like cottage cheese or mascarpone, or add protein like ground turkey or sausage for a heartier version. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, potluck, or special occasion, these stuffed shells are sure to be a hit!

Perfect for:

Family dinners
Meal prep
Vegetarian nights
Italian cuisine lovers
Special occasions

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why Stuffed Pasta Shells with Spinach & Ricotta will quickly become a favorite in your recipe repertoire:

Comforting and Hearty: These stuffed shells are packed with creamy cheese and spinach for a warm, satisfying meal.
Flavorful Sauce: Baked in rich marinara sauce, these shells absorb all the delicious flavors, making every bite irresistible.
Vegetarian Friendly: A great option for vegetarians without sacrificing taste or heartiness.
Make-Ahead Meal: Perfect for preparing ahead of time, this dish can be assembled and baked later, making it ideal for busy nights.
Perfectly Balanced: The combination of spinach, ricotta, and mozzarella creates a wonderfully creamy filling.
Cheesy Goodness: Topped with mozzarella and Parmesan, these shells have a delicious cheesy crust that’s golden and bubbly.
Customizable: You can add herbs or swap out the marinara for a white sauce if you prefer.
Kid-Friendly: A fun and easy dish for kids to enjoy, with a flavor that’s always a hit.
Perfect for Leftovers: This dish reheats wonderfully, making it perfect for meal prepping or leftover lunches.
Satisfying but Light: Despite its richness, this dish feels light thanks to the spinach and mild flavors of the cheese.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 15g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

For the Stuffed Shells:

12 jumbo pasta shells
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (10 oz) bag fresh spinach, washed and chopped
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste

the Marinara Sauce:

2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Topping:

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Ingredient Highlights

Spinach: Adds nutrition and a fresh, earthy flavor to the filling.
Ricotta and Mozzarella: Provide a creamy, melty filling that complements the spinach perfectly.
Marinara Sauce: A classic Italian tomato sauce that ties the dish together.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds an extra layer of flavor and richness to the topping.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta Shells:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.

Prepare the Filling:

Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
Cook the Spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the pan and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
Combine the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked spinach, ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.

Prepare the Marinara Sauce:

Heat the Sauce: In a saucepan, combine marinara sauce with basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Heat over low heat for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Assemble the Dish:

Stuff the Shells: Spoon the spinach and ricotta mixture into each cooked pasta shell, ensuring each one is generously filled.
Layer the Shells in the Baking Dish: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place the stuffed shells on top, then cover with the remaining marinara sauce.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the stuffed shells with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Bake the Dish:

Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve:

Garnish and Serve: Serve the stuffed pasta shells hot with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, if desired.

How to Serve

Here are 9 serving suggestions for Stuffed Pasta Shells with Spinach & Ricotta:

As a Main Course: Perfect on its own as a hearty, satisfying meal.
With a Side Salad: Serve with a fresh green salad dressed in olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
With Garlic Bread: Pair with warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up the marinara sauce.
For Meal Prep: Great for packing into individual portions for lunches during the week.
With Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra veggies.
As a Side Dish: Perfect as a side for grilled meats or other Italian entrees.
For a Vegetarian Feast: Make it a centerpiece for a meatless dinner gathering.
Topped with Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
With Parmesan Shavings: Add extra Parmesan on top for a richer flavor.

Additional Tips

Cook the Spinach Well: Make sure the spinach is cooked thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
Use Fresh Pasta: For an extra tender texture, use fresh pasta shells if available.
Let the Dish Rest: Let the stuffed shells rest for a few minutes after baking to make serving easier.
Customize the Filling: Add other ingredients like ricotta, cream cheese, or sun-dried tomatoes to the filling for a twist.
Freeze for Later: This dish freezes well. Simply assemble the stuffed shells, cover tightly, and freeze before baking.

Recipe Variations

Meat Lovers’ Version: Add cooked ground beef, beef sausage, or turkey to the filling for extra protein.
Vegan Version: Use dairy-free ricotta and vegan cheese for a plant-based version.
White Sauce Version: Swap the marinara sauce for a creamy béchamel sauce for a different flavor profile.
Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a bit of heat.
Mushroom Spinach Stuffing: Add sautéed mushrooms to the spinach and ricotta mixture for added depth of flavor.
Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free pasta shells and marinara sauce for a gluten-free alternative.
Herb-Infused Sauce: Add extra fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the marinara sauce for a fragrant, savory twist.

Special Equipment

9×13-inch Baking Dish: To assemble and bake the stuffed shells.
Large Pot: To cook the pasta shells.
Skillet: For sautéing the onion, garlic, and spinach.
Mixing Bowl: For combining the cheese and spinach filling.
Aluminum Foil: For covering the dish while baking.

FAQ Section

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, it freezes well. Assemble the dish and freeze before baking. Bake from frozen, increasing the time by about 15-20 minutes.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, just be sure to thaw and drain the frozen spinach thoroughly before using.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, feel free to use any cheese that melts well, like provolone or gouda.
How do I prevent the pasta shells from breaking?
Be gentle when handling the shells and don’t overcook them to prevent them from becoming too soft.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta shells for a gluten-free option.
Can I add meat to the filling?
Absolutely! Ground beef, beef sausage, or turkey can be added to the filling for added protein.
How do I know when the dish is done?
The cheese should be melted, bubbly, and golden brown, and the sauce should be hot.
Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Yes, store-bought marinara sauce works well, or you can make your own for a fresh, homemade touch.

Conclusion

Stuffed Pasta Shells with Spinach & Ricotta are a comforting and satisfying dish that combines tender pasta shells filled with a creamy, flavorful spinach and ricotta mixture. The pasta shells are generously stuffed with a blend of cooked spinach, ricotta cheese, Parmesan, garlic, and a touch of nutmeg for a burst of flavor. They are then baked in a rich marinara sauce until bubbly and golden, creating a dish that’s as delicious as it is visually stunning.

What makes these stuffed pasta shells so special is the balance of creamy ricotta, savory spinach, and the hearty pasta. The marinara sauce ties everything together with its tangy, slightly sweet flavors, while the cheese melts beautifully, adding richness and depth. This dish is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or when you want to impress guests with a cozy, homemade Italian meal.

I can’t wait to see how your Stuffed Pasta Shells with Spinach & Ricotta turn out! Snap a photo and share it on Instagram, tagging me so I can admire your delicious creation. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made them your own—I’d love to hear about your personal twist on this classic, comforting dish!