When you are in the mood for a comfort dinner you have to try these Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Pasta Shells! This dish is cheesy and sure to feed the whole family.
Total Time: 75 minutes Prep Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 60 mins Servings: 8
RECIPE INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO
Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Pasta Shells
Ingredients
12 oz Jumbo Pasta Shells
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
3 Cloves Garlic, minced
6 oz Fresh Spinach
15 oz Ricotta
½ Teaspoon Kosher Salt, or to taste
½ Teaspoon Black Pepper, or to taste
½ Teaspoon Garlic Powder, or to taste
1 Teaspoon Italian Seasoning
½ Cup Parmesan Cheese, grated & divided
3 Cups Mozzarella Cheese, shredded & divided
2 Tablespoons Cream Cheese, softened
1 Egg
24 Ounces Marinara Sauce
Fresh Parsley
Recommended Equipment
Large Mixing Bowl
Large Skillet
9x13 Baking Dish
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375 F degrees
2. Boil pasta shells in salted water according to packaging for about 1-2 minutes less than al-dente, then drain. Gently rinse with cold water until pasta shells are cooled, then set aside. I recommend boiling pasta in 4 quarts of water with 2 tablespoons of kosher salt.
3. In a skillet on medium heat, add in olive oil. Next, add in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Then, add in spinach and cook for about 2-3 minutes or until the spinach has wilted. Once done, remove from heat, set aside and allow to cool down to room temperature.
4. To make our cheese mixture, in a large bowl add in ricotta along with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix well to combine. Next, add in half (1 ½ Cups) of the shredded mozzarella cheese and half (¼ Cup) of the grated parmesan cheese. Mix well to combine. Then, add in softened cream cheese and a lightly beaten egg, fold in to combine. Lastly, fold in cooked & cooled spinach and garlic.
5. In a large baking dish, add in half of the marinara sauce to the bottom of the dish. Next, use a spoon to fill each pasta shell with the cheese mixture and add it into the baking dish. Then, pour on top the remainder of the marinara sauce. Lastly, sprinkle on top the remainder of the mozzarella cheese and the parmesan cheese.
6. Cover the baking dish and bake for 20 minutes. Next, remove the cover and bake for 15 minutes uncovered. Then, broil on high for about 2-3 minutes to brown the cheese. Keep your eye on it while it is broiling.
7. Once done, garnish with fresh parsley. Let rest for about 10 minutes before serving and enjoy!