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–+ servings
Ultra close-up macro of bubbling baked jumbo pasta shells stuffed with creamy spinach ricotta and topped with melted stretchy mozzarella cheese in rich red marinara

Baked Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Tender jumbo pasta shells stuffed with seasoned ricotta, mozzarella, and tender baby spinach, baked in savory marinara sauce under a golden blanket of bubbling cheese.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 410

Ingredients
  

Pasta & Three-Cheese Spinach Filling
  • 24 jumbo pasta shells about 12 oz box
  • 16 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg beaten, to bind the filling
  • 3 cups fresh baby spinach steamed, squeezed completely dry and chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp cracked black pepper
  • 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg chef secret for ricotta
Sauce & Topping
  • 28 oz marinara sauce good quality jarred or homemade
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves chiffonade for garnish

Method
 

Baking Walkthrough
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook jumbo shells for 9 minutes (1 to 2 minutes shy of package directions) so they stay firm and easy to handle. Drain and rinse gently with cool water.
  2. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce across the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta, 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan, beaten egg, squeezed dry chopped spinach, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until well blended.
  4. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of cheese filling into each cooked shell. Arrange filled shells open-side up in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
  5. Spoon remaining marinara sauce over and around the shells, then sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
  6. Cover dish loosely with aluminum foil (tented so cheese doesn't stick) and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown on the edges.
  7. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil ribbons and extra grated Parmesan!

Nutrition

Serving: 4gCalories: 410kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 24gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 680mgPotassium: 490mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1800IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 450mgIron: 3.2mg

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