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Creamy Ricotta Spinach Stuffed Shells

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4.9 from 159 reviews

Delicious jumbo pasta shells filled with creamy ricotta and spinach, topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella, perfect for cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese (whole-milk for creamy texture)
  • 10 oz fresh spinach (lightly sautéed)
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
  • 1 large egg (binder)
  • 2 cloves garlic (finely minced)
  • To taste salt
  • To taste pepper
  • 24 oz tomato sauce (simple marinara or homemade)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for enriching sauce)
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning (herbs blend)
  • 12 oz jumbo pasta shells (cooked al dente)
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, sautéed spinach, grated parmesan, egg, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Beat it lightly until everything is well mixed and smooth.
  2. Stuff the Shells: With cooked pasta shells cooled slightly, take one shell at a time and fill it generously with the ricotta mixture using a spoon or piping bag. Place the stuffed shells in a greased baking dish, snuggly fitting them together.
  3. Create the Sauce: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and pour in your tomato sauce. Stir in the Italian seasoning and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Layer the Disks: Pour half of the sauce over the stuffed pasta shells in the dish, reserving the other half for later.
  5. Add the Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the entire dish.
  6. Bake to Perfection: Cover your baking dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
  7. Let it Rest: Once baked, let the dish sit for about 5-10 minutes.
  8. Serve and Enjoy: Scoop out a serving and drizzle with the remaining tomato sauce.

Notes

Serve with a crisp green salad or garlic bread. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://pennykitchenz.com/creamy-ricotta-spinach-stuffed-shells-recipe/

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