– 12 large pasta shells
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
– 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Creating your Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells is simple and rewarding. Follow these steps for a successful dish:
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
4. Fill the Shells: Take each cooked shell and stuff it generously with the spinach and ricotta mixture.
5. Arrange in Baking Dish: Pour a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Place the stuffed shells in the dish, seam side up.
6. Top with Sauce: Once all shells are arranged, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top, ensuring each shell is covered.
7. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the sauce.
8. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
9. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired before serving.
These easy steps will guide you in creating this amazing dish with minimal stress.