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Homemade Stuffed Shells with Ricotta, Spinach, and Portobello Mushrooms photo

Stuffed Shells with Ricotta, Spinach, and Portobello Mushrooms

Creamy ricotta and spinach-stuffed jumbo shells with sautéed portobello and marinara make a comforting, family-friendly casserole.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large portobello mushroom chopped
  • 1/2 onion diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 1 15 oz ricotta cheese I used low fat
  • 1 egg
  • 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese shredded, divided
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated, divided
  • 1/2 cup frozen spinach thawed, drained, and chopped
  • 1/2 tsp dried basil
  • crushed red pepper dash
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper freshly cracked, to taste
  • 3 cups marinara sauce about, store-bought or homemade
  • 18 jumbo pasta shells cooked al dente

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • 9x13 inch Baking Dish
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Spoon
  • colander or potato ricer
  • foil

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 4–5 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic, chopped portobello, and diced red pepper to the skillet; sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 4–6 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, 1/4 cup of the shredded mozzarella, and 1/4 cup of the grated Parmesan. Stir in the egg, drained chopped spinach, dried basil, crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper until creamy.
  5. Fold the cooled mushroom, onion, and red pepper mixture into the ricotta mixture until evenly combined.
  6. Spread 1/2 cup of marinara sauce over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  7. Place the cooked jumbo shells in the dish in a single layer and spoon the ricotta mixture into each shell, spacing them evenly.
  8. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan over the top.
  9. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 5 minutes until bubbling and cheese is melted.
  10. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving warm.

Notes

  • Drain spinach thoroughly using a potato ricer or squeeze in a towel.
  • Cook shells just to al dente so they hold shape when stuffed.
  • You can use store-bought marinara for convenience.
  • Allow the dish to rest a few minutes before serving.