Description
Jumbo pasta shells stuffed with a creamy mixture of ricotta, spinach, and cheeses, baked in marinara sauce until bubbly and golden. This classic Italian-American dish is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 large pasta shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, 1/2 cup mozzarella, spinach, Parmesan, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Spread 1/2 cup marinara sauce in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Fill each shell with cheese mixture and arrange in dish.
- Top with remaining marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.
- Drizzle with olive oil.
- Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes. Uncover and bake 10 more minutes until bubbly.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for easier mixing.
- Do not overcook shells – they will continue cooking in oven.
- Drain cooked shells well to prevent watery sauce.
- Store leftovers in refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze unbaked shells for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 shells
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 80mg