Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells (Family-Favorite Pasta Dinner)

Hey there,
It’s Jessica from easyyummyrecipe.com. This recipe has been on repeat in my kitchen for years. My kids love it. My husband usually sneaks back for seconds. And anytime I bring this to a family dinner or potluck, I come home with an empty dish.

It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. Plus, you get a sneaky serving of spinach in every bite. If you’re looking for a comforting dinner that doesn’t take hours, this is it.

Let me show you how to make it step by step.

Ingredients (Serves 4 to 6)

For the filling:

• 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
• 1 cup cooked spinach, squeezed dry and chopped (fresh or frozen)
• 1 egg
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the rest:

• 20 jumbo pasta shells (cook a few extra in case some break)
• 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella (for topping)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan (for topping)
• Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Boil the Shells

Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the shells until just tender, about 9 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water. This stops the cooking and makes them easier to handle.

Pro tip: Cook 2 to 3 extra shells. A few might rip while boiling or stuffing.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a large bowl, combine ricotta, spinach, egg, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until it looks smooth and everything is well mixed.

Pro tip: Make sure the spinach is fully drained. If it’s too wet, the filling gets runny.

Step 3: Prep Your Baking Dish

Pour 1 cup of marinara sauce into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it around so the shells don’t stick.

Step 4: Fill the Shells

Using a spoon or a small scoop, stuff each shell with the ricotta-spinach mix. You’ll use about 1 to 2 tablespoons per shell.

Place them open side up in the baking dish, right on top of the sauce. Keep going until the dish is full.

Step 5: Top and Bake

Pour the rest of the marinara sauce over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.

Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake 10 more minutes until bubbly and golden.

Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

What to Serve with It

I usually serve these with a simple salad or garlic bread. Sometimes both. You could also add roasted veggies on the side if you want a bigger meal.

These shells are great on their own too, especially if you’re looking for a comforting vegetarian dinner.

Nutrition Info (Per Serving – about 3 to 4 shells)

• Calories: ~420
• Protein: 20g
• Carbs: 32g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 620mg

This is just an estimate and may vary with your ingredients and portion sizes.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the dish, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake it when you’re ready to eat.

Can I freeze it?
Definitely. You can freeze before baking (wrap tightly) or after. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as usual.

Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes, you can. Some people prefer the texture. Just make sure to drain any extra liquid.

What if I don’t have fresh spinach?
Use frozen. Just thaw and squeeze out all the water first.

Can I add meat?
Sure. Cooked ground beef or sausage mixed into the marinara works great. Layer it under or spoon on top.

Why I Love This Recipe

This is one of those meals that feels cozy but isn’t heavy. It’s packed with flavor and comes together with just a few ingredients. You can make it for a regular weeknight, or dress it up for guests. Either way, it always tastes good and looks like you put in more effort than you actually did.

Leftovers reheat well, too. I’ve even packed them for lunch the next day and they still taste great.

If you give this recipe a try, tag me @easyyummyrecipe. I love seeing your versions and hearing how it turned out in your kitchen.

Until next time,
–Jessica