This is one of those cozy, comforting dinners that just makes everyone happy. Big pasta shells stuffed with creamy ricotta, spinach, and melty cheese, all baked in rich marinara sauce. It’s simple, hearty, and perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed family dinner.

Serves: 4–6
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

Here’s What You’ll Need

Pasta

16 jumbo pasta shells (cooked)

Filling

1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cups fresh spinach (sautéed and chopped)
1 egg
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Sauce

3 cups marinara sauce

Topping

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil, for garnish

Simple Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cook jumbo shells according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.

3. In a large bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, cooked spinach, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until creamy and well combined.

4. Spread half of the marinara sauce into the bottom of a baking dish.

5. Fill each pasta shell with the ricotta mixture and place them in the dish, seam-side up.

6. Spoon the rest of the marinara sauce over the shells.

7. Sprinkle extra mozzarella and Parmesan on top.

8. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.

9. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.

10. Top with fresh basil and serve warm.

Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells in baking dish

FAQ

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything, cover it, and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I freeze stuffed shells?
Absolutely. Freeze before or after baking. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and bake until hot and bubbly.

Do I have to use fresh spinach?
Fresh is best, but frozen spinach works too. Just thaw and squeeze out extra water before mixing.

What can I serve with it?
A simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies all go really well with this dish.

Variations

Add meat:
Mix cooked ground beef, turkey, or Italian sausage into the filling or sauce for a heartier meal.

Extra cheesy version:
Add a little cream cheese to the filling for an even richer, creamier texture.

Veggie boost:
Add finely chopped mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted red peppers to the filling.

Spicy kick:
Stir red pepper flakes into the marinara sauce for a little heat.

Gluten-free option:
Use gluten-free jumbo shells or layer the filling as a baked casserole instead.

Warm, cheesy, and full of flavor, these spinach and ricotta stuffed shells are the kind of meal that everyone loves.

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