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stuffed shells

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These stuffed shells are a cheesy, comforting Italian-inspired dish filled with a creamy mix of ricotta, spinach, and zesty lemon. Baked in marinara sauce until bubbly, they’re perfect for a cozy dinner or feeding a crowd.

  • Author: Tina
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

18 to 20 jumbo pasta shells

Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling

5 ounces fresh spinach

2 cups ricotta cheese (16 ounces)

1/4 cup grated pecorino cheese, plus more for sprinkling

2 garlic cloves, grated

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon lemon zest

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

3/4 teaspoon sea salt, plus more for the pasta water

Freshly ground black pepper

2 cups marinara sauce, plus more for serving

Chopped fresh parsley, for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Place spinach in a steamer basket over 1 inch of simmering water. Cover and steam for 1 minute until wilted. Transfer to a strainer, squeeze out excess water, and chop.
  3. Cook pasta shells in salted boiling water for 10 minutes until al dente. Drain and drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking.
  4. In a medium bowl, mix spinach with ricotta, pecorino, garlic, oregano, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
  5. Spread 2 cups of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  6. Stuff each pasta shell with the ricotta mixture and place in the baking dish.
  7. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  8. Serve hot with extra marinara sauce, sprinkled pecorino, and fresh parsley.

Notes

  • Use Rao’s or your favorite marinara sauce for best flavor.
  • Can be prepared up to 4 hours in advance and refrigerated before baking.
  • To freeze: assemble, cover with foil, and freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking for 30 minutes.
  • Optional: Add a pinch of nutmeg or an egg to the ricotta mixture for a richer filling.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cheftinaskitchen.com/stuffed-shells/