Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Shells

Save this recipe on:

There’s something incredibly satisfying about digging into a cheesy, saucy pasta dish that feels like a hug in a bowl. Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Shells hit all the comfort food notes: creamy ricotta, savory spinach, perfectly cooked pasta, and a layer of melted cheese, all swimming in a rich tomato sauce. It’s a timeless vegetarian dinner that feels both indulgent and wholesome.

Whether you’re hosting guests or meal-prepping for the week, these shells reheat beautifully and taste even better the next day. With just a few pantry staples and fresh ingredients, you can create a restaurant-worthy dish that the whole family will love.

What Kind of Pasta Shells Should I Use?

You’ll want jumbo pasta shells for this recipe. These oversized shells are perfect for stuffing and hold their shape well during baking. Be sure to cook them al dente—they’ll finish cooking in the oven while soaking up the flavors of the sauce.

Ingredients for the Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Shells

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: The foundation of the dish; they serve as edible containers for the filling.
• Ricotta Cheese: Provides a creamy, mild base for the stuffing.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Adds gooey, melty texture on top and inside.
• Parmesan Cheese: For a nutty, salty finish and to boost flavor.
• Fresh Spinach: Adds color, nutrients, and a slight earthiness to the dish.
• Egg: Helps bind the filling together.
• Garlic: Offers depth and aroma.
• Marinara Sauce: A rich tomato base to smother the shells and infuse flavor.
• Olive Oil: Used to sauté the spinach and garlic.
• Salt & Pepper: Enhances all the other ingredients.

---

How To Make the Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Boil the Shells

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add jumbo shells and cook them until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Spinach

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Toss in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Mix the Filling

In a large bowl, combine ricotta, half of the mozzarella, half of the Parmesan, the cooked spinach mixture, and an egg. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Stuff the Shells

Spoon the cheese mixture into each shell generously. Arrange them in a baking dish with a layer of marinara sauce at the bottom.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.

---

How to Serve and Store These Shells

Serve the shells hot, straight from the oven, garnished with fresh basil or extra Parmesan. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven with a splash of marinara to keep them moist.

What to Serve With Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Shells?

Garlic Bread

The classic combo. Crispy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.

Caesar Salad

A crisp, tangy Caesar adds freshness and balance to the rich, cheesy shells.

Roasted Broccoli

For an easy veggie side, toss broccoli with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast until golden.

Italian Chopped Salad

Chock full of veggies, olives, and pepperoncini—a zesty contrast to creamy pasta.

Stuffed Mushrooms

Keep the cheese theme going with some bite-sized stuffed mushrooms on the side.

---

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If these Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Shells are your kind of comfort food, don’t miss these irresistible pasta dishes from Savor Queen:

• Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup for a hearty, spoonable option.
• Garlic Butter Steak Parmesan Rigatoni that brings bold flavor to the table.
• White Cheddar Chicken Pasta if you’re craving creamy, cheesy goodness.
• Chicken Zucchini Pasta Recipe for a lighter, veggie-forward twist.
• Spaghetti Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce if you love spinach in every bite.

Save This Pin For Later

Save this delicious idea to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s easy to find when you’re ready to whip it up again.

Tried it with a twist? Maybe a splash of nutmeg or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper? I’d love to hear how it turned out—drop your tips or questions in the comments below.

Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on Savor Queen Pinterest. Your next favorite might be waiting there.

---

Print

Save this recipe on: