If you’re craving a comforting meal that feels like a warm embrace, these baked stuffed shells deliver every time. The creamy ricotta filling combined with tender pasta and smooth tomato sauce is simply irresistible.
I remember the first time I made this dish—it filled the kitchen with the aroma of garlic and fresh basil, and the bubbling cheese on top made it impossible to wait before digging in. It quickly became a family favorite for cozy evenings.
Why You’ll Love It:
– Creamy cheese filling with fresh spinach adds a vibrant touch
– Tender jumbo pasta shells perfectly hold the flavorful mixture
– Baked in rich marinara sauce with melted mozzarella on top for that golden finish
– Rustic presentation that looks as good as it tastes
Simple and satisfying, this recipe feels like a comforting hug after a long day.
PrintStuffed Shells
Jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy ricotta and spinach mixture, baked in marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Ingredients
Jumbo pasta shells
Ricotta cheese
Mozzarella cheese
Parmesan cheese
Egg
Fresh spinach
Garlic
Marinara sauce
Salt
Black pepper
Olive oil
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Add fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and let cool.
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, beaten egg, cooked spinach, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the cheese and spinach mixture.
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a white rectangular baking dish.
Arrange stuffed shells in a single layer on top of the sauce.
Pour remaining marinara sauce over the shells.
Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden brown edges.
Remove from oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
FAQ
Q: Can I prepare the stuffed shells ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the shells a day before, cover, and refrigerate. Just bake when ready.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven to keep the cheese melty.
Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to save or print it for your next cozy dinner night.