Welcome to our delicious and easy stuffed shells recipe! If you’re looking for a homemade stuffed shells dish that will impress your family and friends, look no further. Our ricotta and spinach stuffed shells recipe is guaranteed to bring comfort and flavor to your table.
These jumbo pasta shells are filled with a creamy and cheesy mixture of ricotta cheese, spinach, and other flavorful ingredients. Baked in a rich spaghetti sauce, they create a fragrant and mouthwatering meal that will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.
Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or hosting a dinner party, this easy stuffing recipe is simple to make and sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to embrace the comforting flavors of ricotta and spinach in every bite!
Ingredients and Instructions for Ricotta and Spinach Stuffed Shells
To make this delicious ricotta and spinach stuffed shells recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- Jumbo pasta shells
- Spaghetti sauce
- Frozen chopped spinach
- Ricotta cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Garlic
- Basil leaves
- Parmesan cheese
- Nutmeg
- Salt and pepper
First, preheat your oven to the desired temperature. Then, cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions. Rinse them with cold water and set aside.
In a mixing bowl, combine the defrosted spinach, ricotta cheese, minced garlic, chopped basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, a pinch of nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Next, take each cooked pasta shell and stuff it generously with the ricotta and spinach mixture. Place the stuffed shells in a baking dish lined with your favorite spaghetti sauce.
Once all the shells have been filled and arranged in the baking dish, cover the dish with foil to prevent the shells from drying out during baking.
Bake the ricotta and spinach stuffed shells in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted, and the sauce is bubbly.
Remove the foil and let the shells cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Enjoy these cheesy stuffed shells as a delicious and satisfying Italian-inspired meal. They are perfect for vegetarians and anyone who loves the combination of creamy cheese and flavorful spinach.
Tips and Variations for Ricotta and Spinach Stuffed Shells
There are several tips and variations you can try with this ricotta and spinach stuffed shells recipe.
- Experiment with different types of cheese, such as substituting mozzarella with fontina or provolone.
- Add other ingredients to the filling, such as cooked ground beef or Italian sausage for a meaty variation.
- Customize the dish by adding spices like red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- If you have dietary restrictions, make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta shells or vegan by replacing the cheeses with vegan alternatives and using a flax egg as a binder.
Enhancing the Creamy Filling
To add even more flavor to the ricotta and spinach filling, you can incorporate other ingredients. Try mixing in some chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist or sautéed mushrooms for an earthy taste. You can also add a sprinkle of grated nutmeg to elevate the flavors and aroma.
Experimenting with Sauce Variations
While the traditional ricotta and spinach stuffed shells recipe calls for baking in spaghetti sauce, you can get creative with the sauce options. Consider using a marinara sauce for a classic Italian twist or try a creamy alfredo sauce for a richer and indulgent flavor. For a tangy and refreshing twist, drizzle some pesto sauce over the stuffed shells.
By trying different cheese, filling, and sauce variations, you can customize the ricotta and spinach stuffed shells to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Get creative and enjoy the delicious possibilities!
Serving and Storing Ricotta and Spinach Stuffed Shells
Once the ricotta and spinach stuffed shells are done baking, you can serve them hot and enjoy the delicious and family-friendly dish. The combination of creamy ricotta cheese and flavorful spinach creates a delightful filling that is guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days in a covered container and reheated in the microwave or oven. This convenient option allows you to enjoy these delicious stuffed shells throughout the week.
If you’re planning ahead, you can assemble the stuffed shells and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. This time-saving tip is perfect for busy weeknights or when entertaining guests.
| Serving and Storing Tips | Variations |
|---|---|
|
|
Conclusion
In conclusion, the ricotta and spinach stuffed shells recipe offers a truly delectable and satisfying dish that is perfect for a comforting Italian meal. The combination of creamy ricotta cheese, flavorful spinach, and aromatic herbs creates a delightful filling that perfectly complements the jumbo pasta shells. Baked in a rich spaghetti sauce, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser that caters to both vegetarians and cheese lovers.
Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or hosting a dinner party, this easy stuffed shells recipe is sure to impress. Its rich flavors and cheesy goodness will leave everyone craving for more. Plus, the recipe is simple to follow and doesn’t require any complex culinary skills.
Elevate your dinner table with this mouthwatering ricotta and spinach stuffed shells recipe. With every bite, you’ll experience the comforting flavors of ricotta and spinach harmoniously mingling with the robust tomato sauce. It’s the perfect dish for indulging in Italian comfort food at its finest.
Don’t miss out on the chance to savor the irresistible combination of ricotta and spinach in this crowd-pleasing recipe. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to create a memorable culinary experience that will surely be loved by all. Enjoy the rich and comforting flavors of these stuffed shells and delight in the magic of Italian cuisine right in your own home!
FAQ
What is the recipe for ricotta and spinach stuffed shells?
The recipe for ricotta and spinach stuffed shells involves filling jumbo pasta shells with a creamy and cheesy mixture of ricotta cheese, spinach, and other flavorful ingredients. The shells are then baked in a rich spaghetti sauce to create a fragrant and flavorful dish.
What ingredients do I need for ricotta and spinach stuffed shells?
To make ricotta and spinach stuffed shells, you will need spaghetti sauce, frozen chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic, basil leaves, parmesan cheese, nutmeg, salt, pepper, and jumbo pasta shells.
How do I make ricotta and spinach stuffed shells?
To make ricotta and spinach stuffed shells, you need to preheat the oven, mix the spinach with the ricotta cheese and seasonings, stuff each shell with the filling, place them in a baking dish with sauce, cover with foil, and bake until hot and bubbly.
Can I customize the ricotta and spinach stuffed shells recipe?
Yes, you can customize the ricotta and spinach stuffed shells recipe by experimenting with different types of cheese, adding other ingredients to the filling such as cooked ground beef or Italian sausage, and adding spices like red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
How should I serve and store ricotta and spinach stuffed shells?
Ricotta and spinach stuffed shells can be served hot and enjoyed as a main dish. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days in a covered container and reheated in the microwave or oven. The dish can also be prepared ahead of time by assembling the stuffed shells and refrigerating them until ready to bake.
