This amazing classic Ricotta Stuffed Shell recipe is jumbo pasta shells filled with a mixture of garlic, spinach, creamy ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan Cheese. Then they are placed in a baking dish, topped with marinara sauce and more mozzarella, and baked to perfection. This is the ultimate comfort food meal and one enjoyed by many. Once you smell the shells baking you will know that this recipe is just heavenly.
This pasta dish is so incredibly easy to make. With a little advance preparation this recipe can be assembled and in the oven in about twenty minutes. To make this recipe quick and easy I use store bought marinara but by all means if you have a great recipe for homemade marinara and the time use it! For a complete meal serve with a side salad, Caesar Salad, garlic bread, or dinner rolls.
What are stuffed shells made of?
- Pasta – jumbo size pasta shells.
- Spinach – either fresh or frozen for great flavor and color.
- Garlic – it wouldn’t be an Italian recipe without garlic.
- Cheese – a three cheese blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
- Egg – helps to bind the cheese blend so it does not cook out of the shells.
- Italian Seasoning Blend – to add flavor.
- Marinara – use your favorite jarred blend or make homemade marinara.
- Parsley – chopped fresh for flavor and color.
- Basil – chopped fresh for the best flavor and aroma
How to make Stuffed Shells?
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the pasta shells and boil slightly al dente according to package instructions and drain well. Then add the olive oil to a skillet over medium low heat. Add the garlic and spinach cooking 2-3 minutes or just until the spinach is wilted. Then remove from the heat and let it cool.
In a large bowl combine the ricotta cheese, 2 cups mozzarella cheese, Parmesan Cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper and the cooled spinach mixture. Spread the bottom of the casserole dish with about a 1 1/2 cups of marinara. Spoon the cheese mixture into the shells so they are nice and plump. Place the stuffed shells in the casserole dish on top of the marinara. Spoon about another 1 1/2 cups of marinara in and around the shells. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella. Cover and bake for 20 minutes. Then uncover and bake for another 20 minutes. If desired sprinkle with parsley
Recipe notes and helpful tips for Ricotta Stuffed Shells
- Do not over-boil the pasta shells. Cook them slightly al dente.
- Add a few extra shells when boiling the pasta as inevitably several of them will tear.
- You can use fresh or frozen spinach. If using frozen spinach squeeze as much of the moisture out as possible. This step is important to keep the sauce from being watered down.
- Use good quality marinara or make your own from homemade marinara sauce.
- For a heartier meal add browned ground beef or Italian Sausage.
- For a change of pace try substituting alfredo sauce for the marinara sauce.
- Use freshly shredded Parmesan cheese. As my late mother used to say it is worth every red cent.
- This recipe can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored tightly covered in the fridge.
- I do not recommend freezing this casserole as both ricotta and mozzarella have a high moisture content and they will become watery and grainy after freezing.
These delectable Ricotta Stuffed Shells are easy to prepare, family friendly, aromatic and oh so tasty. They are fancy enough for company and yet easy enough for a weeknight meal. Put the ingredients on your shopping list today and surprise your family with an awesome meal.
More pasta recipes you will love!
Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Ingredients
- 20 jumbo shells ½ of a 12 ounce box
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 5 ounces baby spinach stems removed and chopped
- 15 ounces whole milk ricotta
- 3 cups mozzarella reserve 1 cup for the top
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan
- 1 large egg
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian Seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 3 cups marinara
- 2 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or fresh basil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Boil the pasta shells al dente according to package instructions; drain well.
- Add the olive oil to a skillet over medium low heat. Add the garlic and spinach cooking 2-3 minutes or just until the spinach is wilted. Remove from the heat and let it cool.
- In a large bowl combine the ricotta, 2 cups mozzarella, Parmesan Cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper and the cooled spinach mixture.
- Spread the bottom of a 9x13 or equivalent sized casserole dish 1 1/2 cups marinara. Spoon the cheese mixture into the shells Place the stuffed shells in the casserole. Spoon the remaining marinara in and around the shells.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then uncover and bake for another 20 minutes. If desired sprinkle with parsley or basil.
Notes
- Do not over-boil the pasta shells. Cook them slightly al dente.
- Add a few extra shells when boiling the pasta as inevitably several of them will tear.
- You can use fresh or frozen spinach. If using frozen spinach squeeze as much of the moisture out as possible. This step is important to keep the sauce from being watered down.
- Use good quality marinara.
- Use freshly shredded Parmesan cheese. As my late mother used to say it is worth every red cent.
- This recipe can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored tightly covered in the fridge.
- I do not recommend freezing this casserole as both ricotta and mozzarella have a high moisture content and they will become watery and grainy after freezing.
Nutrition
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stephanie
I make these all the time, but I’ve never tried them with spinach. Such a delicious idea!
Beth Pierce
You should try it! They are so delicious!
Jess
My mom made these for my birthday each year and I have been looking for a recipe that tasted like hers. Found it! Thank you!
Beth Pierce
The pleasure is all mine, Jess!
Dana Sandonato
I love stuffed shells! These are the best, and everyone really enjoys them when I make them!
Shadi Hasanzadenemati
This was such a hit! Thank you for sharing the recipe. It was so tasty!
Anosa Malanga
Stuffed shells are so cool! I haven’t made something like this and now I find it interesting! Will definitely try this out and thank you in advance for the recipe!
April
Oh my goodness. These look so so yummy!
Subarna
The dish was so delicious. I really love cheesy baked pasta dishes and this one was just perfect. Thanks for the great recipe.
Fransic verso
Wow, this was so good… definitely love these shells and I love the ricotta stuffing inside them.
Sheila
This recipe is delicious! My family loved it!
Millie
I’m drooling just looking at the photos! I’m sure everyone in my family will have seconds!
may palacpac
OMG, so mouthwatering!
I checked all the ingredients and they seem easy enough to find. I haven’t tried anything stuffed pasta yet because they always seem to sound complicated and I don’t want to disappoint myself, but this recipe looks doable enough. Wish me luck when I try it!
Beth Pierce
Good luck. I am sure you will do just fine cooking it and really enjoy it.
Jennifer Prince
I am a big fan of stuffed shells. Cheese, pasta, and sauce are the perfect combination, and this looks like such a delicious recipe!
Romy
Ok so I think I must make this. Looks soo cheesy delish!
Beth Pierce
Thanks Romy! Enjoy!!
Nigar
Woow!! It looks great and delicious! It should not so hard to prepare it at home . Have tor try it for sure!
Beth Pierce
Thanks! Enjoy!
Talya Stone
I love shell pasta and stuffed shells even better! My whole family really enjoyed these! Thanks for sharing!
Heather
I am making these tonight. Stuffed shells are my absolute favorite meal!
Beth Pierce
Thanks Heather! Enjoy!!
Peppermintty
This is so good! My family loved it! I will definitely make it again.
Note on prep time: it took me a little over an hour. From start to finish, prepping everything, Water takes time to boil. Fresh spinach takes time to wash, drain, dry and chop. To cut down on time I will buy organic ready to eat spinach from now on.
Thank you again for a delicious meal!
Beth Pierce
Thanks! So glad that you liked it!
Thena Franssen
Wow, this recipe is amazing! The flavors were out of this world!
Beth Pierce
Thanks Thena! I am glad that you enjoyed them!
Krystle
My mom used to make these growing up. Thanks for helping me recreate this comfort food.
Beth Pierce
The pleasure it all mine!
Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert
These Ricotta Stuffed Shells are absolutely delicious! Thanks for the great recipe. I will make this again and again.
Amanda
This is beyond amazing! So full of flavor and it was so easy to make, thank you!
Abids
Yummy!! These ricotta stuffed shells are so delectable. Thanks for sharing the recipe!
Thena
Wow, this looks so good! Thank you for sharing this recipe. Can’t wait to make it!
Neely Moldovan
Definitely a recipe my entire family loved! Thanks for sharing!
Jennifer Prince
I love anything with cheese, pasta, and red sauce. This recipe looks SO delicious, and I need to try it this winter. So so good!
Jacqueline Meldrum
I absolutely love this recipe. They are so good served with garlic bread and salad.
Tavo
Absolutely delicious shells, the filling was great; thank you for this fantastic recipe! I will make it again!!
Dannii
Now this was my kind of comfort food. My kids just loved this too! I will be making this again.
Mirlenes
Love making these stuffed shells for my family! It’s one of their favorite for our weekly meatless meal nights!
Sharon
These ricotta stuffed shells are the perfect weeknight meal. So easy to make and so comforting.
Emman Damian
This is the first time I heard about Ricotta Stuffed Shells. Seems so yummy! Can’t wait to try it. Yum!!!
Freya
Wow! You had me at stuffed ricotta! These look absolutely delicious! Can’t wait to try them!
Fransic verso
This looks yummy, I love the colors and how it looks. I would definitely give it a try. Thank you for sharing!
Elizabeth O
I loved this recipe! It was so darn delicious and easy to prepare. Thanks for the great recipe.
briannemanzb
I love those leafy greens. They amke this recipe so much healthier. I’d add a lot of spinach in this recipe
Alita pacio
This is really a hearty and comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner. My family really enjoyed it. I will make it again.
MELANIE EDJOURIAN
This is a really yummy recipe. It makes such great comfort food. Thanks so much for sharing!
Beth Pierce
The pleasure is all mine Melanie!
Heather Castillo
Stuffed shells is one of my favorite dishes! I can’t wait to try this recipe!
jen schreiner
These look so amazing. I love a good stuffed shell recipe. Can’t wait to try these.
Sara Welch
Served this for dinner last night and it was a hit all around the table! Perfectly hearty and delicious; easily, a new favorite recipe!
Patty at Spoonabilities
For certain this is the ultimate family comfort meal. The cheese and amazing sauce are to die for!
Natalie
This looks amazing. So delicious too. And it’s fairly easy to make. I can’t wait to make this for my family. They will love this. Thanks for the lovely recipe!
Lyn
Such an easy recipe to make for weeknight dinner! Loved it and definitely adding it to my list to make again!
Sandra
I really loved how easy it is to make!! This is perfect!
Cathy
My family loved this and I love how easy it is!
Kevin
Adding this to my dinner menu this week! Looks so good!
Toni Dash
This will be a sure hit at my house!! My kids will love it!
Dorothy Reinhold
This will be a big crowd pleaser at my house! Love how easily it comes together. Perfect for a busy night
Sara Welch
Stuffed shells are always a hit in my home and this was no exception! Served this for dinner last night and my whole family loved it!
Jenna
So delicious!!! This was a huge hit!
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Jenna! So glad that you liked them!
Anita
These are so good, and using roasted garlic is definitely a must. Everyone was giving me a huge praise. 🙂
Christie Gagnon
Love these!
Kristen
These shells are so yummy! Thank you for sharing the recipe!
Danielle
Fabuluos shells that are a delight to watch and I am sure even a bigger delight to enjoy over dinner. Can’t wait to make this recipe!
Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert
I’m drooling this is everything I love!
Catalina
These seems so fancy. I am sure my family will love it!
Sara Welch
Made this for my family last night and had smiling faces all around the table! Perfect comfort food!
Chrissie Baker
I haven’t had stuffed shells in a long time. Your recipe sounds perfect and your shells look incredible!
Kimberly
One of my favorite pasta dishes and so perfect for a busy weeknight!
Lola Osinkolu
I’m always looking for baked recipes. Despite being easy to cook they turn out to be like this one! Love the marinara sauce on top!
Beth Pierce
Thanks Lola! I hope you enjoy!
Veena Azmanov
A great fan of cheese and this dish sounds perfect for me. Love the creaminess and looks of this amazing dish.
Sophie
Looks delicious with those loaded cheese and tomato sauce. I must try this!
Sylvie
Baked pasta is one of my all-time favourite so this recipe ticks all the boxes for me! The shells filling looks so creamy and delicious, especially topped with that marinara sauce!
Kiki Johnson
YESYESYES Stuffed shells are alwasy a good idea and I actually just learned how to make my own ricotta so this recipe is going straight onto the dinner menu! Love the pics, too!
Kate
This is making me hungry just looking at it! Definitely going to make this sometime this week!!
Andrea Metlika
I’ve always loved stuffed shells but never made them myself. I’m definitely going to try now.
Deanne Frieders
Thanks for introducing our family to this hearty recipe! It’s always a crowd pleaser at our table.