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Homemade Spinach Stuffed Pasta Shells photo

Spinach Stuffed Pasta Shells

Creamy ricotta and spinach stuffed jumbo shells baked in marinara for a comforting family-style pasta casserole.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces jumbo pasta shells
  • 2 pounds ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella
  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan plus more for sprinkling
  • 3 eggs
  • 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 10 ounce frozen chopped spinach defrosted and squeezed dry
  • 3 cups marinara sauce jarred or homemade

Equipment

  • 9 x 13-inch baking dish
  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • Large Bowl
  • spoon or small scoop
  • Aluminum Foil

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the jumbo shells according to package directions until al dente; drain and rinse with cool water to stop cooking, then set aside to cool.
  2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, shredded mozzarella, 3/4 cup grated Parmesan, eggs, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and the well-drained spinach; mix until evenly combined.
  4. Spread about 1 cup of the marinara sauce in the bottom of the prepared baking dish to coat the surface.
  5. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the cheese-and-spinach filling into each cooled shell, then place the filled shells in the baking dish in a single layer.
  6. Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the filled shells and sprinkle additional grated Parmesan over the top if desired.
  7. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 35 minutes, until heated through and bubbly; remove foil for the last 5 minutes if you want a slightly browned top.
  8. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Be sure to squeeze the thawed spinach well to avoid a watery filling.
  • Cook shells just until al dente so they hold the filling.
  • Use low-sodium sauce if you want to control saltiness.
  • You can prepare the filling ahead and refrigerate before stuffing.