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A close-up of large, golden-baked pasta shells filled with creamy spinach and ricotta cheese, topped with melted cheese and garnished with fresh basil, arranged on a white platter against a rustic background.

Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells – A Healthy Veggie Dinner

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Enjoy this hearty and healthy spinach and ricotta stuffed shells recipe, perfect for a nutritious family dinner or special occasion. Loaded with fresh spinach and creamy ricotta cheese, this baked pasta dish is both satisfying and wholesome.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 20 large pasta shells
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 cups marinara sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  3. Add chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, oregano, red pepper flakes, cooked spinach mixture, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
  5. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Stuff each cooked shell with the cheese and spinach mixture and place them seam-side down into the dish.
  6. Pour remaining marinara sauce over the shells. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
  7. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 5 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  8. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Notes

  • You can substitute fresh spinach with frozen spinach, just make sure to drain excess moisture.
  • For a creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream to the cheese mixture.
  • To make this vegetarian, ensure your marinara sauce contains no meat.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 large shell
  • Calories: 330 Kcal
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 640mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 17g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg