Herbed Ricotta and Spinach Stuffed Pasta Shells

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Large pasta shells filled with a creamy mixture of ricotta, spinach, and fresh herbs, baked in a simple tomato sauce. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 55 minutes pairs large pasta shells, ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook 20 large pasta shells in boiling salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente; drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
  2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese, 1 cup thawed and drained chopped spinach, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 cloves minced garlic, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 large beaten egg, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper; mix until well incorporated.
  3. Step 3: Spread 1 tbsp olive oil on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish, then pour and spread 2 cups marinara sauce evenly.
  4. Step 4: Stuff each cooked pasta shell generously with the ricotta-spinach mixture and place them in the baking dish over the sauce.
  5. Step 5: Spoon remaining marinara sauce over the shells and sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
  6. Step 6: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Herbed Ricotta and Spinach Stuffed Pasta Shells take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (20 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Herbed Ricotta and Spinach Stuffed Pasta Shells?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep large pasta shells from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Herbed Ricotta and Spinach Stuffed Pasta Shells?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Herbed Ricotta and Spinach Stuffed Pasta Shells for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Herbed Ricotta and Spinach Stuffed Pasta Shells vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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