Creamy Spinach Stuffed Shells

Name: Creamy Spinach Stuffed Shells
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 15 oz ricotta cheese; 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 egg, beaten; 1 tsp garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 12 large pasta shells; 2 cups marinara sauce; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Highlighted under: Home Baking Collection

I absolutely love making Creamy Spinach Stuffed Shells whenever I want a comforting yet impressive meal. The combination of creamy ricotta, vibrant spinach, and savory pasta shells never fails to delight my family and friends. Each bite is a delightful mix of flavors, and it’s surprisingly easy to prepare. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, and I often make extra to enjoy leftover goodness for lunch. Trust me, once you try these stuffed shells, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your home too!

Created by

Emily Carter

Last updated on 2026-02-07T20:24:39.167Z

Creating these Creamy Spinach Stuffed Shells felt like a culinary adventure. I wanted to perfect the balance of flavors between the creamy filling and the light tomato sauce. Using fresh spinach and quality ricotta truly elevated the dish, making it a crowd-pleaser. The result was a rich and flavorful experience that I couldn't wait to share.

I also discovered that baking the shells covered initially keeps them moist while allowing the top to brown beautifully towards the end. It’s a small tip, but it makes a world of difference in presentation and taste. Each shell bursts with flavor, enticing everyone at the table!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Creamy ricotta and spinach filling wrapped in tender pasta
Deliciously cheesy, with a hint of garlic and herbs
Perfect for meatless meals or as a side dish!

Preparing the Perfect Filling

The filling for these Creamy Spinach Stuffed Shells stands out due to the creamy texture of ricotta combined with the freshness of spinach. Using fresh spinach is crucial; it maintains a vibrant color and flavor compared to frozen. When chopping, aim for small pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the filling. This will prevent any large clumps and create a pleasing texture. Additionally, feel free to experiment by adding ricotta alternatives like goat cheese or even cottage cheese for a slightly different flavor profile.

Beating the egg before adding it to the filling helps to emulsify the mixture, leading to a cohesive texture that holds together well during baking. Since the egg cooks as the dish bakes, it serves as a binding agent, ensuring that each stuffed shell keeps its form. Be sure to season the filling adequately with salt and pepper; this enhances the overall flavor of the dish, making each bite flavorful rather than bland.

Assembly and Baking Tips

As you prepare to stuff the shells, ensure your pasta is cooled slightly but still pliable. This will make the filling process easier and help you avoid rupturing the shells. When layering the stuffed shells in the baking dish, consider some overlap for an attractive presentation, but leave enough space to allow heat to circulate for even cooking. I recommend using a large spoon or a piping bag to fill the shells; this minimizes mess and speeds up the process.

Baking is key to achieving that perfect bubbly cheese topping. When you first cover the dish with foil, ensure it’s not touching the cheese to prevent sticking. Removing the foil for the last ten minutes allows the mozzarella to develop a beautiful golden color, adding to both the visual appeal and flavor. If you find that the cheese is browning too quickly, you can lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and compensate by extending the baking time to ensure everything heats through.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to prepare your Creamy Spinach Stuffed Shells:

For the Filling

15 oz ricotta cheese
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg, beaten
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembly

12 large pasta shells
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Once you have all the ingredients, you're ready to start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Creamy Spinach Stuffed Shells:

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta shells until al dente. Drain and set aside, keeping them separate to avoid sticking.

Prepare the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until fully incorporated.

Stuff the Shells

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Using a spoon, carefully stuff each pasta shell with the spinach filling and place them in a greased baking dish.

Add Sauce and Cheese

Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells, then sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.

Bake

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Enjoy your delicious Creamy Spinach Stuffed Shells straight from the oven!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor twist, consider adding some sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes to the filling. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can also enhance the taste significantly.

Storing and Reheating

Leftover Creamy Spinach Stuffed Shells can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To preserve the dish’s creamy texture, only reheat the portion you intend to enjoy. When reheating, cover it with foil in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15–20 minutes. This helps retain moisture, allowing the cheese to re-melt evenly without drying out.

If you want to freeze the stuffed shells, assemble them in a baking dish but do not bake. Cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 45–55 minutes, covering for the first 30 minutes to allow for thorough heating. This method ensures you’ll have a comforting meal ready at a moment's notice.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These stuffed shells are fantastic as a main dish but can also be served as a side alongside grilled meats or a fresh salad for added balance. Drizzling a bit of olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley upon serving elevates the dish visually and flavor-wise. For an extra kick, consider adding red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce to spice things up.

If you're looking for a twist, you can customize the filling with additional ingredients. Adding sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes brings depth and complexity to the dish. Additionally, for a more substantial meal, you can layer the shells with layers of vegetables, such as zucchini or roasted peppers, in the baking dish for a vibrant presentation and added nutrition.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, thaw and drain any excess liquid from the frozen spinach before mixing it into the filling.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed shells and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking.

→ What can I serve with stuffed shells?

A simple side salad or garlic bread complements the stuffed shells beautifully.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze leftover stuffed shells. Just cover with sauce and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.