Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe

Introduction

This Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe is a creative, easy-to-make dish that combines the flavors of spinach, ricotta cheese, and pasta to create a meal that is both impressive and delicious. Using everyday ingredients, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal effort, making it a great option for those who want to cook a gourmet meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of creamy ricotta cheese, fresh spinach, and al dente pasta shells is a match made in heaven, and the best part is that you can customize it to your taste with your favorite ingredients.

Why This Works

• The balance of flavors in this recipe is what makes it truly special. The creamy ricotta cheese pairs perfectly with the fresh spinach, and the pasta shells provide a nice texture contrast.
• This recipe is also incredibly easy to prepare. Simply cook the pasta shells, mix the filling ingredients, and stuff the shells. It’s a great option for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
• Despite its ease of preparation, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. The presentation is beautiful, and the flavors are complex and delicious. It’s a great option for a dinner party or a special occasion.

Ingredients

• 12-15 jumbo pasta shells
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
3. Step 3: Stuff each pasta shell with the spinach and ricotta mixture, placing them in a baking dish as you go.
4. Step 4: Pour the marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and top with the shredded mozzarella cheese. Drizzle with olive oil and cover with aluminum foil.
5. Step 5: Bake for 25-30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Handy Tips

• To ensure that the pasta shells are cooked al dente, check them frequently while they are cooking. You can also add a little bit of oil to the water to prevent the shells from sticking together.
• If you want to add some extra flavor to the dish, you can sprinkle some chopped fresh basil or parsley over the top of the cheese before baking.
• To make the dish more substantial, you can add some cooked ground beef or sausage to the marinara sauce.

Heat Control

To achieve the perfect doneness, make sure to cook the pasta shells until they are al dente. You can check for doneness by biting into one of the shells. If it still has a bit of bite to it, it’s ready. If it’s too hard, it’s not cooked enough. If it’s too soft, it’s overcooked. For the baking step, make sure to cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the top from burning. You can remove the foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking to get a nice golden brown color on top.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this dish comes from the toasted breadcrumbs on top of the cheese. To achieve this, simply sprinkle some breadcrumbs over the top of the cheese before baking. You can also add some chopped nuts or seeds for extra crunch. The pasta shells themselves should be cooked until they are al dente, which means they should still have a bit of bite to them. This will provide a nice texture contrast to the soft cheese and sauce.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• To make the dish more efficient to prepare, you can cook the pasta shells and prepare the filling ingredients ahead of time. Simply store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble and bake the dish.
• To get a nice golden brown color on top of the cheese, you can broil the dish for a few minutes after baking. Just keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t burn.
• To make the dish more substantial, you can add some protein like cooked ground beef or sausage to the marinara sauce.

Storage Tips

• To store the dish, simply let it cool completely and then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.
• To reheat the dish, simply bake it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• To freeze the dish, simply assemble it up to the point where you would bake it, but don’t bake it. Instead, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the freezer. When you’re ready to bake it, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake it as directed.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This dish is perfect for gift-giving, especially during the holiday season. To package it as a gift, simply assemble the dish up to the point where you would bake it, but don’t bake it. Instead, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a decorative dish or container. You can add a nice ribbon or bow to the top and include a card with the baking instructions. This makes a lovely and thoughtful gift for friends and family.

Flavor Variations

• To add some extra flavor to the dish, you can sprinkle some chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley over the top of the cheese before baking.
• To make the dish more substantial, you can add some protein like cooked ground beef or sausage to the marinara sauce.
• To give the dish a spicy kick, you can add some red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.

Troubleshooting

• If the pasta shells are overcooked, they will be too soft and may fall apart. To avoid this, make sure to check them frequently while they are cooking and remove them from the water as soon as they are al dente.
• If the cheese is not melted and bubbly, it may be because the dish was not baked at a high enough temperature. To avoid this, make sure to bake the dish at 375°F (190°C) and check on it frequently to ensure that the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• If the dish is too dry, it may be because the pasta shells were overcooked or the cheese was not melted enough. To avoid this, make sure to cook the pasta shells until they are al dente and melt the cheese until it is bubbly and golden brown.

FAQs

• Can I freeze this dish? Yes, you can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Simply assemble it up to the point where you would bake it, but don’t bake it. Instead, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the freezer. When you’re ready to bake it, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake it as directed.
• Is this dish gluten-free? No, this dish is not gluten-free because it contains pasta shells made from wheat. However, you can make a gluten-free version of this dish by using gluten-free pasta shells.
• Can I double this recipe? Yes, you can double this recipe to make a larger batch. Simply multiply all of the ingredients by two and assemble and bake the dish as directed.

Conclusion

This Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The combination of creamy ricotta cheese, fresh spinach, and al dente pasta shells is a match made in heaven, and the best part is that you can customize it to your taste with your favorite ingredients. With its impressive presentation and complex flavors, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the delicious flavors and textures of this Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe!