Spinach-Ricotta Stuffed Pasta Shells
Jumbo pasta shells filled with creamy spinach and ricotta, baked under a rich tomato sauce. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 45 minutes pairs jumbo pasta shells, ricotta cheese, chopped fresh spinach for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup, chopped fresh spinach
- 1/4 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup, shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook 12 jumbo pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Step 2: In a bowl, mix 1/2 cup ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup chopped fresh spinach, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper until smooth.
- Step 3: Spoon 3 tablespoons of ricotta mixture into each cooked pasta shell. Place stuffed shells in a baking dish.
- Step 4: Cover shells with 1 cup marinara sauce. Sprinkle 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella over the top. Bake for 25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spinach-Ricotta Stuffed Pasta Shells take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 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 Spinach-Ricotta 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 jumbo pasta shells from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spinach-Ricotta 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 Spinach-Ricotta 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.
What goes well with Spinach-Ricotta Stuffed Pasta Shells?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My kids even ate spinach! These pasta shells are a hit for family dinners.
- ★★★★★
Best stuffed shells I've ever had! The recipe is reliable and the flavors are amazing.
- ★★★★★
A perfect recipe for a weeknight dinner. The ricotta and spinach combo is divine and so easy to make.
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