Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Craving Comfort? Let's Talk Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells !

Ever had one of those days? You know, the ones where all you want is a big hug and a plate piled high with something utterly delicious? Honestly, that's when I start craving Spinach ricotta stuffed shells Stuffed .

Seriously, it's like a warm, cheesy blanket for your soul. And the best thing is, a great stuffed shells recipe isn't even that hard to make!

What Makes These Shells So Special?

This isn't just another baked pasta dishes recipe. Think of it as italian comfort food , reinvented. The spinach ricotta filling is creamy, dreamy, and packed with flavour.

Plus, those jumbo stuffed shells are just begging to be devoured. Did you know the first pasta was made over 4,000 years ago? We've had plenty of time to perfect it!

This recipe is actually super versatile! It's definitely a great option for a vegetarian pasta bake . It takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish, including 30 minutes of prep.

This recipe makes 6 generous servings, perfect for a family dinner or a casual get-together with friends.

Benefits You Can Feel Good About

Beyond the sheer deliciousness, these Spinach ricotta stuffed shells Stuffed offer a sneaky health boost. Spinach is packed with vitamins and minerals.

This makes the recipe also rich in calcium and protein. It's the perfect dish for a cozy night in or when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Trust me, the combination of flavours and textures will have everyone begging for more.

Let's dive into what you'll need for this stuffed pasta shells recipe . Get ready to make some magic!

Let's Talk Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells Stuffed : Ingredients & Equipment

Listen up, folks! Before we dive into this stuffed shells recipe , let's gather our troops. We're making Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells Stuffed , aka Italian comfort food heaven, a vegetarian pasta bake that will change your life! Honestly, it's one of those dishes that just feels like a hug.

Main Ingredients for the Best Spinach Ricotta Filling

Here's the lowdown on what you'll need, and how much:

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: 12 oz ( 340g ). These are our boats, people! Make sure you don't overcook them. You want them al dente. Like proper stuffed pasta shells recipe .
• Ricotta Cheese: 32 oz ( 900g ) whole milk is the way to go. Don't skimp on quality here; it makes a big difference! It makes the most luscious spinach ricotta filling
• Frozen Chopped Spinach: 10 oz ( 280g ), thawed and squeezed DRY. Like, really dry. Think you've squeezed enough? Squeeze again. Trust me.
• Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups (about 225g ), shredded. Divide it in half. One for the filling, one for the top. Melty, glorious goodness.
• Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup (about 100g ), grated. Like the mozzarella, divide this for the filling and the topping!
• Egg: 1 large . This is your binder, baby. It keeps everything together.
• Marinara Sauce: 24-32 oz ( 680-900g ), a really good one! Since it's a marinara sauce pasta recipe, it matters. I find if it's good enough on it's own, it's good enough for this recipe.
• Yellow Onion : 1 Small and finely chopped

Seasoning Notes: Flavortown, Population: YOU

For this ricotta stuffed shells vegetarian , flavor is KEY!

• Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon . This stuff is your friend. It brings all the herbs together in one go.
• Salt and Pepper: You know the drill. 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Season to taste!
• Flavor Enhancers: Don't forget the garlic! 3 cloves , minced. Trust me, it adds a punch.
• Quick Subs: No Italian seasoning? Mix dried oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme. Boom.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

We don't need fancy gadgets for these jumbo stuffed shells . Here's the bare minimum:

• Large Pot: For boiling the pasta.
• 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) Baking Dish: For baking our masterpiece, our very own baked pasta dishes .
• Medium Skillet: For sautéing the onion and garlic.
• Large Mixing Bowl: To mix that glorious spinach ricotta filling .
• Colander: For draining the pasta.

Alternatives? Use a large casserole dish if you don't have a baking dish. Job done! Right, time to get cooking!

Cooking Spinach Ricotta Spinach ricotta stuffed shells Stuffed Shells: My Go-To Method

Okay, so let’s talk about spinach ricotta stuffed shells . Honestly, this is one of my all-time favorite italian comfort food dishes! I find myself craving it more and more as the days get colder.

There's something so comforting about cheesy baked pasta dishes . And, well, who doesn't love a good stuffed pasta shells recipe ?

This stuffed shells recipe is vegetarian, but trust me, even meat eaters will be totally satisfied. It’s packed with flavor and so filling! So let's get down to how I make my magic Spinach ricotta stuffed shells Stuffed .

Prep Like a Pro: The Mise en Place is Key

Firstly, let's talk prep. It's the unsung hero of cooking! Get your ingredients measured. Chop your veg. Think of it as getting your ducks in a row before the big event.

Honestly, it's a game changer.

You wanna have your ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, garlic, onion, and your marinara sauce all ready to go. And make sure your spinach is thawed and squeezed dry seriously, really dry.

It can make or break the texture!

step-by-step to Stuffed Shell Perfection

1. Cook those jumbo stuffed shells ! You can boil them till they are almost al dente. About 8 minutes should do it. No soggy shells here!
2. Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until fragrant. We want to cook the onion and garlic til the onion becomes soft (about 5 minutes ).
3. Mix ricotta, spinach, cheeses, egg, and cooked onion/garlic in a bowl. Don't forget your spices! Salt and pepper are key.
4. Stuff those shells! I like using a spoon. It gets a little messy, but that’s part of the fun.
5. Spread some marinara sauce in a baking dish. Arrange your ricotta stuffed shells vegetarian in the dish. Pour the remaining marinara sauce pasta over the top.
6. Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 25 minutes , covered, then 10 minutes uncovered, until bubbly and golden.

Pro Tips for Killer Spinach Ricotta Filling

• Don't overcook your pasta! Slightly undercooked is the key. We want that lovely 'al dente' texture.
• make-ahead? Absolutely! Assemble the shells, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This helps with a quick dinner.
• Don’t skip the salting the pasta water! It brings out the flavor of the pasta.

Seriously, this vegetarian pasta bake recipe is a winner. It's easy, delicious, and always a crowd pleaser. Give it a try, and let me know what you think!

Recipe Notes for Your Amazing Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Okay, so you're ready to tackle these Spinach ricotta stuffed shells Stuffed , eh? Honestly, it's easier than you think! Let's dive into some extra bits to make sure your stuffed shells recipe turns out perfectly.

These little extras can turn a good dish into a GREAT one. Think of this as your cheat sheet.

Serving Suggestions: Dish 'Em Up Right!

First impressions matter, even with italian comfort food ! For plating, try arranging three or four jumbo stuffed shells on a plate, drizzled with extra marinara sauce pasta .

Garnish with a sprig of fresh basil. So fancy!

What about sides? A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette will cut through the richness. Garlic bread is also a winner.

For drinks, a crisp Italian white wine or even just sparkling water does the trick. Don't forget about a nice crusty bread, perfect for mopping up any extra sauce.

Storage Tips: Keep That Goodness Fresh

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store your cooked ricotta stuffed shells vegetarian in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

The texture of the baked pasta dishes might change slightly, but they will still taste fantastic.

Freezing is an option too! Place the spinach ricotta stuffed shells in a freezer safe container. They can last up to two months.

When reheating, thaw them overnight in the fridge. Then, bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through. I promise, they're still divine!

Variations: Mix It Up!

Wanna get creative with your vegetarian pasta bake ? For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta shells. Easy peasy. Also, you can adapt this stuffed pasta shells recipe !

Seasonally, you can swap the spinach ricotta filling for butternut squash puree in the autumn. It adds a lovely sweetness. You could even sneak in some sundried tomatoes for an extra kick.

Nutrition Basics: Fuel Your Body!

Each serving of these Spinach ricotta stuffed shells Stuffed is estimated to have about 650 calories . It's packed with protein (around 40g ) from the cheese.

Plus, you get some fiber and vitamins from the spinach.

The key health benefit? Calcium! Ricotta and Parmesan are great sources. Plus, these delicious stuffed shells will warm your soul.

Now go get your stuffed shells on, you got this! You can nail this, and you'll have a delicious meal to show for it.

It's all about having fun in the kitchen. You'll be a pro in no time.