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Cheesy spinach stuffed shells on a plate, garnished with herbs

Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells

These Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells are a warm, comforting dish that combines cheesy goodness with nutritious spinach, perfect for busy weeknights and family gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Comfort Food, Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 360
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Filling
  • 12-16 pieces jumbo pasta shells
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped or frozen, thawed
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese plus more for topping
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 jar marinara sauce 24 ounces
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Method
 

Cooking the Shells
  1. Boil the jumbo shells in a large pot of salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Preparing the Filling
  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and spinach, sautéing until the spinach wilts down (about 3-5 minutes).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine sautéed spinach and garlic with ricotta, half of the mozzarella, and all of the Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
Stuffing the Shells
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Stuff each shell with a spoonful of the cheesy mixture.
Assembling and Baking
  1. Spread a layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish and arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer. Pour the remaining marinara sauce on top and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
  2. Bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serving
  1. Let cool for a minute before garnishing with fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot.

Notes

You can prepare the stuffed shells in advance and store them in the refrigerator before baking. Customize the filling by adding other veggies like zucchini or mushrooms.