Spinach Stuffed Shells
These Spinach Stuffed Shells are a comforting, family‑friendly pasta bake stuffed with three cheeses, fresh spinach, and garlic, then topped with rich homemade marinara. This easy spinach stuffed shells recipe delivers creamy filling, tender pasta, and classic Italian flavors—perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd.
What to serve with Stuffed Shells
A cozy pasta bake shines even brighter with simple, complementary sides that balance the creamy, cheesy filling and rich marinara. A crisp green salad with a bright vinaigrette cut through the richness, while classic garlic bread or warm focaccia adds that perfect, saucy‑swipe moment. Roasted vegetables—like broccoli, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes—bring color and freshness to the plate, and a light antipasto platter with olives or marinated artichokes turns the whole meal into an easy Italian‑inspired spread. For something heartier, pair the shells with a bowl of tomato basil soup or a simple Caesar salad to round out a comforting, crowd‑pleasing dinner.
Spinach Stuffed Shells
Ingredients
- 12 oz jumbo pasta shells
- 10 oz frozen spinach
- 16 oz ricotta cheese
- 16 oz cottage cheese
- ½ cup parmesan cheese grated
- 1 large egg
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp basil
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 16 oz mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cook pasta shells according to package directions. Set aside.
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta shells and cook until tender yet firm to the bite, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain.
- Thaw frozen spinach and squeeze out excess water.
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, spinach, parmesan cheese, spices, garlic, and egg. Stir to combine.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9 x 13 pan. Stuff pasta shells with ricotta cheese mixture. Place them, open side up, in the baking dish.
- Cover the top and sides of the shells with the remaining marinara. Top with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 30 minutes, until cheese is bubbling and melted.
You can use any marinara or pasta sauce. For best results, try Nonna RiRi’s Homemade Marinara.