The Art of Authentic Italian Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Mastery

Perfect Pasta Shell Preparation

Master the technique of cooking shells to ideal texture for easy stuffing without breaking.

Ricotta Filling Excellence

Learn the skill of creating perfectly seasoned, creamy filling with proper consistency.

Marinara Sauce Perfection

Perfect the method of creating rich, flavorful tomato sauce that complements the filling.

Assembly Technique Mastery

Master the art of stuffing shells efficiently while maintaining neat presentation.

Baking Process Excellence

Learn optimal baking techniques for melted cheese perfection and heated-through filling.

Italian Kitchen Secrets for Perfect Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Spinach Moisture: Thoroughly squeeze spinach dry to prevent watery filling that makes shells soggy.

Shell Cooking: Don't overcook shells - they should be firm enough to handle without breaking.

Filling Consistency: Ricotta mixture should be thick enough to hold its shape when spooned.

Sauce Coverage: Ensure shells are well-covered with sauce to prevent drying during baking.

Cheese Balance: Use combination of cheeses for complex flavor and perfect melting properties.

Resting Time: Allow baked shells to rest before serving for easier cutting and serving.

Classic Italian Stuffed Shells with Creamy Spinach and Fresh Ricotta Cheese

Name: Classic Italian Stuffed Shells with Creamy Spinach and Fresh Ricotta Cheese
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 65 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: For the Pasta Foundation:; 1 box (12 oz) jumbo pasta shells; 1 tablespoon salt for pasta water; 2 tablespoons olive oil; For the Spinach Ricotta Filling:; 15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese; 10 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained; 1 large egg, beaten; 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cloves garlic, minced; For the Herb Seasoning:; 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; For the Marinara Base:; 2 cups marinara sauce; 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; For the Cheese Topping:; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup Romano cheese, grated; For the Sauce Enhancement:; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

The ultimate Italian comfort food featuring tender jumbo pasta shells generously stuffed with a rich mixture of fresh spinach, creamy ricotta cheese, and aromatic herbs, all nestled in a bed of homemade marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella. This traditional Italian-American masterpiece combines the earthy richness of fresh spinach with the smooth, creamy texture of high-quality ricotta cheese, creating an unforgettable pasta experience that brings the warmth of Italian family kitchens to your table perfect for Sunday dinners, special occasions, or any time you crave authentic comfort food.

Prep Time

25 Minutes

Cook Time

40 Minutes

Total Time

65 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the Pasta Foundation:

1 box (12 oz) jumbo pasta shells

1 tablespoon salt for pasta water

2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Spinach Ricotta Filling:

15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese

10 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained

1 large egg, beaten

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Herb Seasoning:

2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Marinara Base:

2 cups marinara sauce

1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

For the Cheese Topping:

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup Romano cheese, grated

For the Sauce Enhancement:

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 bay leaf

For the Fresh Touches:

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Extra Parmesan for serving

Freshly cracked black pepper

For the Baking Process:

Cooking spray

Aluminum foil

For Special Equipment:

Large baking dish (9x13 inch)

Large pot for boiling

Colander

Mixing bowls

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

Bring large pot of salted water to boil for cooking pasta shells.

Cook jumbo shells according to package directions until al dente.

Drain shells carefully and rinse with cool water to stop cooking.

Meanwhile, squeeze excess moisture from thawed spinach using clean kitchen towel.

Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium heat for sauce.

Sauté diced onion until translucent, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Stir in crushed tomatoes, marinara sauce, and tomato paste.

Season sauce with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and bay leaf.

Simmer sauce for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, then remove bay leaf.

In large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with beaten egg.

Mix in drained spinach, grated Parmesan, and minced garlic thoroughly.

Add fresh basil, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper to filling.

Stir filling mixture until well combined and evenly seasoned.

Spread 1 cup of prepared marinara sauce in bottom of baking dish.

Using spoon, carefully stuff each cooked shell with ricotta mixture.

Arrange stuffed shells in single layer over sauce in baking dish.

Pour remaining marinara sauce over and around stuffed shells.

Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over top.

Cover tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

Remove foil and continue baking 10-15 minutes until cheese is golden.

Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow filling to set.

Garnish with fresh basil and serve with extra Parmesan cheese.

Accompany with garlic bread and Caesar salad for complete Italian meal.

Classic Italian Stuffed Shells with Creamy Spinach and Fresh Ricotta Cheese

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

The Art of Authentic Italian Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Mastery

Classic Italian Stuffed Shells with Creamy Spinach and Fresh Ricotta Cheese

Ingredients

Instructions