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Colorful plate of cooked large pasta shells filled with vibrant green spinach and creamy ricotta cheese, garnished with fresh basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, arranged neatly on a white dish with a rustic wooden background.

Healthy Spinach and Ricotta Pasta Shells Recipe

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This easy spinach and ricotta stuffed shells dish combines tender pasta shells with a creamy, flavorful filling of spinach and ricotta cheese, baked to perfection with a hint of Parmesan and fresh herbs.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 20 large pasta shells
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup marinara sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta shells in boiling salted water until al dente, drain and set aside.
  2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat.
  3. In a bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, cooked spinach, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
  4. Stuff each shell with the spinach and ricotta mixture and place in a baking dish coated with marinara sauce.
  5. Top with shredded mozzarella and additional marinara sauce if desired.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

Notes

  • You can substitute fresh spinach with frozen spinach, thawed and drained.
  • For added flavor, sprinkle with red pepper flakes or fresh basil before serving.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Method: Bake
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 shell (about 150 g)
  • Calories: 370 Kcal
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 670mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg