Enjoy a comforting and satisfying dish with these Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells—a perfect combination of creamy ricotta, tender spinach, and melted cheese baked inside jumbo pasta shells. Nestled in a rich tomato sauce and topped with golden, bubbly mozzarella, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Creamy and Flavorful Stuffed Shells

Stuffed shells are a classic Italian-inspired dish that brings together the best of pasta, cheese, and sauce. The filling in this version is made with fresh spinach, creamy ricotta, and a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella for the perfect cheesy balance.

Whether you’re preparing this for a weeknight meal or serving it at a gathering, these Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures that everyone will love. Plus, they can be prepped ahead of time for an easy, stress-free meal!

Ingredients for Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells

To make these delicious Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells, you’ll need a selection of fresh and flavorful ingredients that work together to create a comforting and cheesy dish.

Jumbo Pasta Shells – These large pasta shells are perfect for holding the creamy ricotta and spinach filling. Cook them al dente so they hold their shape during baking.
Ricotta Cheese – A creamy and mild cheese that forms the base of the filling, adding richness and texture.
Spinach – Fresh or frozen spinach works well in this recipe. It adds a boost of flavor, nutrients, and a nice contrast to the cheesy filling.
Mozzarella Cheese – Shredded mozzarella provides the gooey, melted topping that makes this dish so irresistible.
Parmesan Cheese – Adds a slightly salty and nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the filling.
Egg – Helps bind the ricotta filling, giving it a creamy yet firm texture when baked.
Garlic – Freshly minced garlic adds an aromatic depth to the filling and sauce.
Marinara Sauce – A rich and flavorful tomato sauce that provides the perfect base for baking the stuffed shells. Choose a high-quality store-bought marinara or make your own.
Italian Seasoning – A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme that enhances the flavor of the dish.
Olive Oil – Used for sautéing the garlic and spinach to bring out their natural flavors.
Salt & Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.

How to Make Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells

This recipe is simple to follow and results in a delicious, restaurant-quality meal. Follow these steps to create the perfect stuffed shells:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells until they are al dente, following the package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Spinach and Ricotta Filling

In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the spinach and sauté until wilted (or, if using frozen spinach, cook until heated through). Remove from heat and let it cool.

Step 3: Mix the Cheese Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, the cooked spinach, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until everything is evenly mixed.

Step 4: Fill the Pasta Shells

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Carefully spoon the ricotta and spinach mixture into each cooked pasta shell and place them in the baking dish, filling side up.

Step 5: Add Sauce and Cheese

Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese on top.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let the shells cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for extra flavor and color. Serve warm and enjoy!

How Long to Bake Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells

The baking time for Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells is essential to ensure the pasta is perfectly tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Follow these general guidelines:

Covered Baking Time – Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, covered with aluminum foil. This helps keep the shells moist and allows the flavors to blend.
Uncovered Baking Time – Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and slightly golden on top.
Broil for Extra Crispiness – If you prefer a more golden and slightly crispy top, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

How to Store Leftovers

If you have extra stuffed shells, they store well and can be reheated for a quick and delicious meal later. Here’s how:

Refrigerator – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave for a quick meal.
Freezer – These stuffed shells freeze beautifully. Place them in a freezer-safe container before baking and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes, covered with foil.

Tips for Perfect Stuffed Shells

To ensure your Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells turn out perfect every time, keep these tips in mind:

Cook Pasta Al Dente – Slightly undercook the pasta shells so they hold their shape during baking and don’t become too soft.
Drain Spinach Well – If using frozen spinach, squeeze out excess moisture before mixing it into the ricotta filling to avoid a watery consistency.
Use Fresh Herbs for Garnish – Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top after baking for added freshness and color.
Add Extra Protein – For a heartier meal, mix in cooked ground turkey, shredded chicken, or lentils with the ricotta filling.
Make It Ahead – Assemble the stuffed shells ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake. This makes meal prep easier on busy days!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Cottage Cheese Instead of Ricotta?

Yes! If you prefer, you can substitute cottage cheese for ricotta. Just blend it slightly to achieve a smoother texture.

Can I Make This Recipe Without Eggs?

Absolutely! The egg helps bind the filling, but you can leave it out or use a flaxseed egg as a substitute.

What Can I Serve with Stuffed Shells?

These shells pair well with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Enjoy your Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells with these helpful tips and tricks to make every bite delicious!

Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells

Author: Sally Thompson
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4–5 servings 1x

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Description

Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells are a comforting and flavorful dish featuring jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy blend of ricotta, spinach, and Parmesan, then topped with marinara sauce and gooey melted mozzarella. Baked to perfection, this dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or meal prep for the week.

Instructions

Preheat Oven – Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
Cook the Pasta – Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook the jumbo shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and let cool slightly.
Prepare the Spinach – In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat.
Make the Filling – In a large bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, 1 cup mozzarella, cooked spinach, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
Fill the Shells – Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce in the baking dish. Stuff each pasta shell with the ricotta-spinach mixture and arrange them in the dish.
Add Sauce and Cheese – Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
Bake – Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.
Serve – Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Enjoy!