Description
Indulge in a classic Italian-inspired comfort meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. These jumbo pasta shells are generously filled with a creamy, protein-rich blend of ricotta, parmesan, and vibrant spinach, then baked in a savory marinara sauce until bubbly and golden. This restaurant-quality dish is easy to prepare, family-friendly, and completely meat-free, providing a hearty, satisfying dinner experience in under an hour.
Ingredients
12 oz jumbo pasta shells
15 oz ricotta cheese
10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
24 oz marinara sauce (no wine/alcohol)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish with olive oil.
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook shells for 2 minutes less than package instructions for al dente; drain and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta, squeezed spinach, 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until well mixed.
Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Stuff each cooked shell generously with the ricotta mixture and arrange them in the baking dish.
Pour the remaining sauce over the shells and top with the final cup of mozzarella cheese.
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
Notes
Ensure all excess water is squeezed out of the spinach to prevent the filling from becoming watery. You can assemble this dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator before baking, just add a few extra minutes to the total bake time.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approx. 4-5 shells
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg