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Italian Vegetarian Dinner

Creamy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Classic jumbo shells stuffed with a creamy ricotta-spinach mixture, baked in tangy marinara and topped with bubbly mozzarella.

Medium 25 min prep 30 min cook 55 min total 6 servings 4.8/10
Ready in
55 minutes

Makes 6 servings

About This Recipe

Classic jumbo shells stuffed with a creamy ricotta-spinach mixture, baked in tangy marinara and topped with bubbly mozzarella.

These stuffed shells are perfect for family gatherings or busy weeknight dinners.

Ratings

Expert Rating
4.8
95% confidence
Final Score
4.8
90% confidence

Category Scores

9.5
Taste
7.0
Difficulty
9.5
Presentation
7.5
Nutrition
9.0
Value
8.5
Instructions
9.5
Ingredients
8.0
Time Accuracy
9.5
Would Make Again
9.2
Overall

Video

Watch on Youtube

Cooking Timeline

Prep 25 min
Cook 30 min
  1. Step 1
  2. Step 2
  3. Step 3
  4. Step 4
  5. Step 5
  6. Step 6 25 min

Ingredients

Pasta

Filling

Assembly

Equipment

  • Large pot For boiling pasta
  • 9x13 baking dish For baking
  • Mixing bowl For the filling

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta shells according to package directions until al dente.

  2. 2

    In a bowl, mix ricotta, squeezed spinach, parmesan, egg, salt, and pepper until well combined.

  3. 3

    Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish.

  4. 4

    Stuff each cooked shell with the ricotta mixture and place them in the prepared baking dish.

  5. 5

    Top with remaining sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese.

  6. 6

    Cover and bake for 20 minutes, then remove cover and bake for another 5-10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

    25 min

Nutrition

Calories 420
Protein 18g
Carbs 52g
Fat 15g
Fiber 4g
Sugar 6g
Sodium 780g
Serving Size 3 shells

Expert Review

Reviewed by FindEdition Kitchen

Verdict

A crowd-pleasing vegetarian dish that feels sophisticated yet remains classic comfort food.

Pros

  • Make-ahead friendly
  • Kid-friendly
  • Rich flavor

Cons

  • Requires multiple steps for assembly

Overview

These stuffed shells are perfect for family gatherings or busy weeknight dinners.

AI Insights

Summary

Classic jumbo shells stuffed with a creamy ricotta-spinach mixture, baked in tangy marinara and topped with bubbly mozzarella.

Tips

  • Use a piping bag to fill the shells easily and cleanly
  • Add a pinch of nutmeg to the ricotta mixture for an extra layer of flavor
  • Don't overcook the shells, as they will cook further in the oven

Substitutions

  • Ricotta → cottage cheese (blend for smoothness)
  • Frozen spinach → fresh baby spinach (sauté and drain)

Storage

Keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F.

Pairing

Garlic knots Crisp green side salad with vinaigrette

AI Cooking Assistant

Ask questions about this recipe — substitutions, timing, or technique.

Open Cooking Assistant

FAQ

How do I ensure the spinach doesn't make the filling watery?
The most important step is to squeeze all liquid out of the thawed spinach using a clean kitchen towel.
Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the dish, refrigerate, and bake it when ready to serve.

About the Author

FindEdition Kitchen

Recipe tested and reviewed by the FindEdition culinary team.

Specialty: Italian cuisine

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