This Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Casserole features large pasta shells filled with a creamy mixture of ricotta and spinach, all baked in a rich marinara sauce. It’s a delightful option for family dinners and makes for a comforting vegetarian meal.
Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is an easy pasta meal that combines the flavors of Italian-inspired cuisine with the heartiness of baked pasta recipes. It’s a great addition to your collection of ricotta cheese recipes and is sure to please everyone at the table.
Overview of Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Casserole
The Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Casserole is a delightful dish that brings together the comforting flavors of Italian-inspired meals.
Featuring large jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy mixture of ricotta cheese and spinach, this casserole is a wonderful option for family dinners.
It’s a fantastic choice for anyone looking for easy pasta meals that are both satisfying and delicious.
This dish not only showcases the versatility of ricotta cheese recipes but also serves as a hearty vegetarian dinner that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients That Make It Special
The key to this casserole lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients.
You’ll need jumbo pasta shells, which are perfect for holding the creamy filling.
Ricotta cheese provides a rich texture, while shredded mozzarella adds a gooey, melty topping that makes this dish irresistible.
Frozen spinach is a convenient choice, ensuring you can whip up this meal any time of the year.
Seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, the filling is both tasty and satisfying.
Finally, marinara sauce ties everything together, adding a burst of flavor that complements the stuffed shells beautifully.
Preparation Steps for a Perfect Casserole
Preparing the Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Casserole is straightforward and can be done in about 50 minutes.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the jumbo pasta shells in salted water until they are al dente, then drain them and set aside.
Next, mix together the ricotta cheese, thawed spinach, egg, and seasonings to create a creamy filling.
Carefully stuff each shell with this mixture, ensuring they are generously filled.
Assemble the casserole by spreading marinara sauce in the baking dish, placing the stuffed shells on top, and then covering them with more sauce and mozzarella cheese.
Baking to Perfection
Once assembled, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven.
Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes.
This allows the cheese to become bubbly and golden, creating a beautiful crust on top.
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
This Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Casserole is perfect on its own, but you can enhance the meal with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete dining experience.
For those looking to add more vegetables, consider incorporating sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers into the filling.
Alternatively, you can experiment with different cheeses, such as adding parmesan for an extra layer of flavor.
This dish is not only a fantastic option for family dinners but also works well for potlucks or gatherings, as it can easily serve six people.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of this comforting casserole contains approximately 350 calories, making it a satisfying yet manageable option for a main course.
With 18 grams of protein and 15 grams of fat, it strikes a balance that keeps you full without being overly heavy.
The carbohydrates from the pasta shells provide energy, making this dish a well-rounded choice for any meal.
Whether you’re enjoying it during a cozy family dinner or serving it at a gathering, this Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Casserole is sure to be a hit.
Delicious Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Casserole
This casserole is made with jumbo pasta shells stuffed with a creamy ricotta and spinach filling, topped with marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese. The recipe serves 6 and takes about 50 minutes to prepare and bake, making it a perfect choice for a comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, thawed spinach, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Stuff the Shells: Carefully fill each cooked pasta shell with the ricotta and spinach mixture.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells in the dish and pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Casserole!
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 40g