Description

Italian Stuffed Shells are a delicious and hearty dish filled with a creamy ricotta mixture, topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
1 large egg, beaten
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
12–15 large pasta shells
2 cups marinara sauce
Olive oil (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, spinach, beaten egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
Using a spoon, carefully fill each shell with the ricotta mixture.
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange the filled shells on top and cover them with the remaining marinara sauce.
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top of the shells.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Feel free to add other vegetables to the filling, such as mushrooms or zucchini.
This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking.
For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 15g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Italian Stuffed Shells, pasta, ricotta, family recipe