Description
A quick and easy weeknight dinner featuring jumbo pasta shells stuffed with a creamy ricotta and spinach filling, baked in marinara sauce with melted mozzarella. This recipe skips the boiling step for a faster 30-minute cook time.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 5 ounces fresh baby spinach, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 box jumbo pasta shells (12–16 ounces)
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, minced garlic, grated Parmesan, chopped spinach, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. If using fresh spinach, ensure it is finely chopped and squeezed dry to remove excess moisture.
- Pour marinara sauce into a large skillet or pot and heat over medium heat until warm and bubbling.
- Fill each jumbo shell with the ricotta mixture using a tablespoon. Place filled shells seam-side up in a 9×13 inch baking dish, arranging them in neat rows.
- Pour the warm marinara sauce over the shells, ensuring sauce gets between them. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden, and the sauce is bubbling at the edges.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken and shells to set.
Notes
Do not boil the shells beforehand; they cook directly in the sauce. Ensure fresh spinach is squeezed dry to prevent watery filling. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to help it set. Can be frozen unbaked for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 3
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 42
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 18
Keywords: stuffed shells, spinach ricotta, easy dinner, weeknight meals, comfort food, pasta, 30 minute meals, family friendly