Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells A Healthy Cheesy Vegetarian Dinner – Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells: Incredible Cheesy Delight

Name: Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells A Healthy Cheesy Vegetarian Dinner
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 large pasta shells; 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped; 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cups marinara sauce; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tsp dried oregano

Recipe By:

Olivia Carter

Posted:

September 4, 2025

Updated:

September 4, 2025

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As you step into your kitchen, the aroma of melting cheese and fresh spinach dances in the air, teasing your senses and promising a delightful experience. Picture this: Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells A Healthy Cheesy Vegetarian Dinner is not just a dish; it’s a warm embrace after a long day, inviting you to indulge in its creamy goodness and vibrant flavors.

Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells A Healthy Cheesy Vegetarian Dinner 1

Remember those bustling family dinners where laughter mingled with the clinking of forks? This recipe takes me back to those moments, where sharing food felt like sharing love. Perfect for cozy nights or impressing guests, these stuffed shells will have everyone reaching for seconds (or thirds) while marveling at your culinary prowess. Get ready to dive into an amazing flavor experience that you’ll keep coming back to!

Why You'll Love This Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells A Healthy Cheesy Vegetarian Dinner

This amazing Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells A Healthy Cheesy Vegetarian Dinner offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze
You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand
The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table
Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing

Ingredients for Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells A Healthy Cheesy Vegetarian Dinner

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells A Healthy Cheesy Vegetarian Dinner:

Large Pasta Shells: About 12-16 shells are perfect for stuffing with our delicious filling.
Fresh Spinach: Use about 3 cups of fresh spinach, washed and chopped, for that fresh green taste.
Ricotta Cheese: One cup of ricotta gives the dish its creamy texture; opt for whole milk ricotta for extra richness.
Parmesan Cheese: About half a cup grated adds depth and flavor; don’t skimp on this one!
Marinara Sauce: Two cups of your favorite marinara sauce will create a luscious base for the shells.
Garlic: Two cloves minced will elevate the flavors; fresh garlic is always best.
Salt & Pepper: To taste, because what’s good food without a little seasoning?

For the Sauce:

Dried Oregano: One teaspoon adds an aromatic touch to your sauce, making it feel like an Italian trattoria.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells A Healthy Cheesy Vegetarian Dinner

How to Make Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells A Healthy Cheesy Vegetarian Dinner

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells A Healthy Cheesy Vegetarian Dinner:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray so nothing sticks—because nobody wants to battle lasagna leftovers!

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook those pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. You want them firm enough to hold their shape yet tender enough to enjoy! Drain them gently and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine your chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, half of the Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano. Mix until everything is well combined—it should look like something you’d want to dive into face-first!

Step 4: Fill Those Shells

Carefully spoon the cheesy spinach mixture into each pasta shell; don’t be shy here! Place each stuffed shell seam-side up in your prepared baking dish.

Step 5: Add Marinara Sauce

Once all shells are nestled cozily in the dish, pour marinara sauce over them until they’re happily swimming in sauce. Sprinkle remaining Parmesan cheese on top because who doesn’t love extra cheese?

Step 6: Bake

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (shiny side in!) and bake it in your preheated oven for about 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another ten minutes until bubbly and golden brown—the moment when cheesy dreams come true!

Serve hot with fresh basil sprinkled on top if you’re feeling fancy! Transfer to plates and drizzle with extra marinara sauce if desired for the perfect finishing touch.

Now that you’ve conquered this recipe for Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells A Healthy Cheesy Vegetarian Dinner, prepare yourself—your friends might start requesting it weekly! Enjoy every cheesy bite!

You Must Know About Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells A Healthy Cheesy Vegetarian Dinner

This amazing Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells A Healthy Cheesy Vegetarian Dinner offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze
You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand
The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table
Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing

Perfecting Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells A Healthy Cheesy Vegetarian Dinner Cooking Process

Start by boiling your pasta shells to al dente perfection. While they cook, sauté spinach until wilted, mix it with ricotta, and season well. After draining the shells, stuff them with the cheese mixture before topping with marinara sauce.

Add Your Touch to Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells A Healthy Cheesy Vegetarian Dinner

Feel free to swap out spinach for kale or add mushrooms for an earthy flavor. Spice things up with red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like basil and oregano for that extra oomph.

Storing & Reheating Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells A Healthy Cheesy Vegetarian Dinner

Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, pop them back in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes to maintain their cheesy goodness.

Chef's Helpful Tips for Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells A Healthy Cheesy Vegetarian Dinner

Make sure your pasta is al dente; overcooked shells will break apart when stuffed
For a creamier filling, mix in a bit of mozzarella cheese into your ricotta mixture
Don’t skimp on seasoning; it elevates the entire dish!

Sharing this recipe always brings back memories of my cousin’s wedding when everyone raved about these stuffed shells—who knew a little pasta could steal the show?

FAQs About Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells A Healthy Cheesy Vegetarian Dinner

What is Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells A Healthy Cheesy Vegetarian Dinner?

Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells A Healthy Cheesy Vegetarian Dinner is a delightful dish that combines large pasta shells filled with a creamy blend of ricotta cheese, fresh spinach, and seasonings. This recipe offers a nutritious option for dinner that is both satisfying and packed with flavor. It is perfect for vegetarians or anyone looking to incorporate more vegetables into their meals. With its cheesy goodness and wholesome ingredients, this dish appeals to both adults and children alike.

How do I prepare the filling for the Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells?

To prepare the filling for your Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells, start by mixing ricotta cheese with cooked spinach, garlic, salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of nutmeg for added flavor. You can also add some grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese to enhance creaminess. Be sure to mix everything well until smooth. This filling not only tastes delicious but also provides essential nutrients from the spinach, making it a healthy choice for dinner.

Can I make Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells ahead of time! Prepare the stuffed shells as per the recipe and place them in a baking dish covered with sauce. You can refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if they are cold from the fridge. This makes it an excellent meal prep option for busy weeknights.

What sides pair well with Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells?

When serving Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells A Healthy Cheesy Vegetarian Dinner, consider pairing them with a light salad or steamed vegetables to balance the meal. A fresh green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette complements the rich flavors of the stuffed shells perfectly. Garlic bread also makes a great side, adding texture while soaking up any extra sauce on your plate.

Conclusion for Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells A Healthy Cheesy Vegetarian Dinner

In conclusion, Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells A Healthy Cheesy Vegetarian Dinner provide a deliciously satisfying option for any meal. With creamy ricotta combined with nutrient-rich spinach, this dish delivers on both taste and health benefits. Perfect for meal prepping or entertaining guests, it’s versatile enough to please everyone at the table. Try this recipe tonight for an easy-to-make dinner that everyone will love!