If you’re craving a warm, comforting meal that feels like a big, delicious hug, look no further than this Indulgent Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells for Cozy Nights Recipe. It’s the perfect way to combine creamy ricotta, vibrant fresh spinach, and melty mozzarella inside tender jumbo pasta shells, all smothered in rich marinara sauce. This dish balances flavors and textures beautifully, making it an inviting dinner that turns any chilly evening into a cozy celebration at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, creaminess, and color. From the creamy ricotta to the punch of garlic powder, every component brings a little something special to your cozy plate.
- 12 pieces jumbo pasta shells: These huge shells are perfect for stuffing and hold all that cheesy goodness beautifully.
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese: Adds a luscious, creamy texture to the filling—cottage cheese can be a lighter alternative if you prefer.
- 6 ounces fresh spinach: Fresh spinach brings a vibrant green color and a subtle earthiness, but frozen can work too if properly thawed and drained.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Provides a sharp, nutty flavor; nutritional yeast makes a great non-dairy substitute.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Offers that quintessential melted, gooey cheese pull, with plant-based mozzarella as an option.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder to hold the filling together—vegan cooks can swap with a flax egg.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a mellow garlic tone; fresh minced garlic will give a zestier kick.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that infuses the filling with warmth, or go fresh with basil or oregano.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors of the dish.
- 2 cups marinara sauce: The saucy base and topping that ties all the ingredients together—homemade or store-bought works wonderfully.
How to Make Indulgent Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells for Cozy Nights Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Pasta Shells
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil. Gently add your jumbo pasta shells and cook them for about 8 to 10 minutes until they reach that perfect al dente texture. Stir occasionally so the shells don’t stick together. Once cooked, drain them and immediately rinse under cold water to stop cooking and to make them easier to handle. Set aside and let them cool while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Prepare the Ricotta-Spinach Filling
In a spacious mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, fresh spinach, grated Parmesan, half of the shredded mozzarella, the beaten egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until the filling comes together with a creamy and slightly fluffy consistency. This mixture is the heart of your Indulgent Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells for Cozy Nights Recipe, delivering layers of richness and vibrant taste.
Step 3: Assemble the Stuffed Shells
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread a thin layer of marinara sauce across the bottom—this helps prevent the shells from sticking and adds saucy goodness. Carefully spoon a generous amount of the ricotta mixture into each cooked shell, placing them seam-side up in the dish. Fit them snugly together; you want every bite to be cheesy and saucy. When they’re all stuffed and positioned, pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly on top and shower the last of your shredded mozzarella over everything.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil, making sure the foil doesn’t touch the cheese to keep it from sticking. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for 10 to 15 more minutes until the cheese turns delightfully bubbly and golden brown. The aroma filling your kitchen at this stage is pure comfort.
Step 5: Let It Cool and Garnish
Once done, take the dish out and let it rest for a few minutes so the filling settles just right. Feel free to sprinkle with fresh herbs, additional Parmesan, or a crack of pepper to finish it off before serving. Enjoy your creation and watch this Indulgent Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells for Cozy Nights Recipe shine on your dinner table!
How to Serve Indulgent Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells for Cozy Nights Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish can elevate your dish instantly. Fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley add a pop of color and a touch of herbaceous brightness that complements the creamy filling beautifully. If you love cheese, a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan right before serving adds an extra savory layer that small adjustments can make so special.
Side Dishes
For a complete meal, pair these stuffed shells with a crisp side salad dressed in tangy vinaigrette, or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is also a classic companion, perfect for soaking up extra marinara sauce. These sides balance the indulgence and add a nice crunch or freshness to your cozy feast.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving guests or want to make the meal feel even more special, consider plating each shell individually on a shallow plate with a drizzle of extra marinara around it. Add a small sprig of basil on top for a restaurant-style touch. For casual family dinners, a rustic-style ceramic baking dish straight from the oven adds charm and warmth, inviting everyone to dig in together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Indulgent Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells for Cozy Nights Recipe keeps well covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container or cover tightly with foil to preserve moisture and prevent it from drying out. The flavors often develop further overnight, making leftovers even tastier.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the shells in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When freezing cooked leftovers, portion out and store them in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, bake leftovers covered with foil at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly. Alternatively, microwave individual portions covered with a microwave-safe lid or plate for a few minutes, stirring halfway through. This will help bring back that fresh-baked charm, so you can enjoy your Indulgent Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells for Cozy Nights Recipe any time.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the frozen spinach completely and squeeze out as much moisture as possible so your filling doesn’t become watery. Frozen spinach works well and keeps the recipe convenient without losing flavor.
What if I am allergic to eggs or prefer vegan?
You can simply substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes). This works well as a binder and keeps the filling creamy and cohesive in this Indulgent Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells for Cozy Nights Recipe.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the shells the day before and keep them covered in the fridge. When you’re ready, just add the mozzarella on top and bake as directed. It’s a great time saver when you want a homemade meal without the last-minute rush.
Is it okay to substitute the jumbo shells with another pasta?
If jumbo shells aren’t available, cannelloni tubes make an excellent replacement. They hold the filling just as well and bake nicely, making them a versatile option for this recipe.
What marinara sauce do you recommend?
Homemade marinara is always a winner, packed with fresh tomatoes and herbs, but a good quality store-bought marinara works just fine too. Choose one with simple, natural ingredients for the best flavor to complement your Indulgent Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells for Cozy Nights Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Indulgent Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells for Cozy Nights Recipe is truly the ultimate comfort food that feels special yet is surprisingly simple to prepare. Whether you’re gathering family around the table or treating yourself after a long day, it promises warmth, satisfaction, and a little bit of magic in every cheesy bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it one of your go-to cozy night meals!
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Indulgent Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells for Cozy Nights Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulgent Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells are a comforting Italian-American baked pasta dish perfect for cozy nights. Jumbo pasta shells are boiled to al dente, filled with a creamy mixture of ricotta cheese, fresh spinach, Parmesan, mozzarella, eggs, and aromatic seasonings, then baked in marinara sauce topped with melted mozzarella. This hearty and cheesy casserole combines fresh and savory flavors for a satisfying vegetarian meal.
Ingredients
Pasta Shells
- 12 pieces jumbo pasta shells (Consider cannelloni as a substitute)
Cheese & Dairy
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese (Cottage cheese is a lighter alternative)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (Nutritional yeast serves as a dairy-free alternative)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (Plant-based mozzarella for a vegan option)
- 1 large egg (A flax egg can be used for a vegan substitute)
Vegetables & Seasonings
- 6 ounces fresh spinach (Frozen spinach can be used if thawed and drained properly)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (Fresh minced garlic gives a punchier taste)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (Fresh basil or oregano can replace dried if available)
- Salt, to taste (Essential for seasoning)
- Pepper, to taste (Essential for seasoning)
Sauce
- 2 cups marinara sauce (Use homemade or store-bought)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta Shells: Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water over high heat. Once boiling, carefully add the jumbo pasta shells and cook them for about 8-10 minutes, or until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Once cooked, drain the shells and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside to cool while you prepare the filling.
- Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, fresh spinach, grated Parmesan cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, beaten egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and the filling is creamy and vibrant.
- Preheat Oven and Prep Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Stuff Shells: Take each cooked shell and carefully fill it with a generous amount of the ricotta-spinach mixture. Place the filled shells seam-side up in the dish and continue arranging them closely together. Once all the shells are filled, pour the remaining marinara sauce over them and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, ensuring it doesn’t touch the cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Finish Baking: After 20 minutes, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs or extra Parmesan, if desired, before serving.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute ricotta with cashew cheese, use plant-based mozzarella, and replace the egg with a flax egg.
- Frozen spinach must be fully thawed and drained to prevent watery filling.
- Fresh garlic and herbs can enhance the flavor profile if available.
- Ensure pasta shells are cooled before stuffing to avoid tearing.
- This dish can be prepared in advance and baked just before serving.
