Creamy Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Looking for easy spinach recipes? This creamy spinach & ricotta stuffed shells recipe is a crowd-pleaser! A posh pasta skillet dinner the whole family will love. Get the recipe!

Alright, let's dive into something seriously comforting! Ever crave something that screams "Italian Nonna made this," but you just don't have the time? This recipe is your answer!

Recipe Introduction: Creamy Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells with Parmesan Crust

Quick Hook

Are you searching for easy spinach recipes ? this creamy spinach & ricotta stuffed shells recipe delivers cheesy, spinach-packed comfort food.

It's the perfect blend of cheesy goodness and fresh spinach mushroom flavors!

Brief Overview

Stuffed shells are a classic italian comfort food. they’re great for family meals. this recipe is medium difficulty and takes about an hour.

It makes 6 servings. it’s like a warm hug in pasta form, honestly .

Main Benefits

These shells are a sneaky way to get your greens in. the spinach adds vitamins and makes you feel slightly less guilty, right? this is great for family gatherings or even just a cozy vegetarian weeknight dinner .

This recipe is special because it’s so easy to customize and always a crowd-pleaser. it's not quite vegetarische diners , but it's darn close.

Ready to get started?

Let's Talk Ingredients

First, you need a pound of jumbo pasta shells. cook them al dente, okay? don't forget a little olive oil to keep them from sticking.

For the filling, grab some fresh spinach or even frozen. don't forget ricotta, parmesan cheese, an egg, nutmeg, marinara sauce, and garlic.

The Spinach Ricotta Dream Team

Sauté some garlic, then add the spinach mushroom . cook until wilted. then, mix it with ricotta, parmesan, cream, egg, and nutmeg.

Season with salt and pepper. this is where the magic happens! this creamy filling is so good you could eat it with a spoon, no joke !

Assembling the Masterpiece

Spread some marinara in a baking dish. stuff each shell with the spinach mushroom pasta . arrange them in the dish and cover with more sauce.

Sprinkle with parmesan. bake until golden and bubbly. voila! the best pasta skillet dinner ever.

Baking and Bliss

Bake at 375° f ( 190° c) for 30- 35 minutes. let it cool slightly before serving. trust me, this wait is torture , but it lets the filling set.

This ensures every bite is perfect! this one of my favorite pasta dinners .

Now, I know some Pasta Dinner Recipes can be daunting. But this is truly a simple and straightforward recipe. I hope you enjoy this Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet !

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to create these amazing Creamy Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells with Parmesan Crust! Honestly, it's not as complicated as it sounds, promise.

Ingredients & Equipment

This is where we get down to brass tacks. Let's talk about the essentials.

Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Matter

Okay, so for the pasta itself, you'll need 1 pound (450g) of jumbo shells. don't skimp here! get the big ones, they're way more fun to stuff.

You'll also need 2 tablespoons of olive oil to keep them from sticking. for the spinach recipes , that really shines in the creamy ricotta filling, you'll want 10 ounces (280g) of fresh spinach, roughly chopped.

Or, if you're like me and sometimes forget to buy fresh, 10 ounces of frozen, thawed, and seriously squeezed dry will do.

We don't want a watery mess, you know?

Then comes the good stuff: 15 ounces (425g) of ricotta cheese. i always go for whole milk ricotta – it's richer and makes the filling so much creamier.

Next, 1/2 cup (120ml) of heavy cream. a generous 1/2 cup (50g) of grated parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping, because who doesn't love extra parmesan? one large egg, and a dash of nutmeg, about 1/4 teaspoon , freshly grated if you're feeling fancy.

And of course, salt and pepper to taste. don't be shy!

For the sauce and that gorgeous crust, we need 2 cups (480ml) of marinara sauce. i usually grab a good quality jarred one, but homemade is even better if you have the time.

And finally, another 1/2 cup (50g) of grated parmesan cheese for the top.

Seasoning Notes: Level Up Your Flavor

The essential spice combo here is really just nutmeg, salt, and pepper. but don't underestimate them! a good pinch of salt really brings out the spinach's earthiness.

And that little bit of nutmeg? it adds this warm, subtle sweetness that just makes the whole dish sing. as for aromatics, the minced garlic is a must.

It infuses the spinach with such a lovely flavour.

If you're out of nutmeg, a tiny pinch of mace will do in a pinch. Honestly, these Vegetarian Weeknight Dinners are all about adaptability.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You don't need a ton of fancy gadgets for this recipe. just a large pot to cook the pasta, a colander to drain it, a big skillet or sauté pan for the spinach, a large mixing bowl for the filling, and a 9x13 inch baking dish.

A wooden spoon and cheese grater are also useful. honestly, who can resist those perfect pasta dinner recipes ?

And that's it! gather your ingredients and equipment, and let's get cooking! i promise, you're gonna love these creamy spinach & ricotta stuffed shells.

They're comfort food at its finest. i call them parmesan spinach mushroom pasta skillet without the mushroom.

If you need to do some variations of Vegetarische Diners you can add it too!

Alright, let's dive into making something truly special! how about creamy spinach & ricotta stuffed shells with parmesan crust? sounds fancy, right? but trust me, it's totally doable, even on a busy weeknight.

Plus, who doesn't love pasta?

Cooking Method: Baking Stuffed Shells

It’s a baked pasta skillet kind of night. we are making some of the greatest pasta dinner recipes . baking brings all the flavors together so nicely.

It's like a warm hug on a plate! now, get ready to elevate your pasta dinners . trust me, this dish is a surefire hit!

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row

First, the mise en place is key. chop your veggies, measure your cheese, and have everything ready to go. time-saving organization tips : get those ingredients measured! you'll thank yourself later, trust me.

Safety reminders : watch out for that boiling water!

Step-by-Step: Shell Yeah!

1. Cook the jumbo pasta shells. Follow the package directions. But, shave off about 2 minutes. We want al dente shells. Drain and toss with olive oil, so they don’t stick.
2. Sauté your garlic in olive oil. Then, toss in that spinach. Cook until it wilts. Let it cool slightly. Frozen works fine too. Just squeeze out the extra water!
3. Mix ricotta cheese, heavy cream, half of the Parmesan cheese, egg, nutmeg, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add the cooled spinach. Mix it all together.
4. Spread a thin layer of marinara in a baking dish. Stuff those shells with your cheesy Spinach mixture. Arrange them in the dish.
5. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells. Sprinkle with the rest of the Parmesan cheese. Visual cues for doneness : Golden brown and bubbly is what you are looking for!
6. Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 30- 35 minutes . It's that simple.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Shell Game

• Expert Technique : Don't overcook your pasta! Al dente is key. Otherwise, it will get mushy in the oven.
• Common Mistake : Watery filling is a no-no! Make sure the spinach is really dry. Nobody likes a soggy bottom!
• If you need inspiration for Vegetarian Weeknight Dinners or Vegetarische Diners , this Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet is a game changer!

This creamy spinach & ricotta stuffed shells recipe is perfect for spinach recipes . try to incorporate spinach mushroom and mushroom pasta into your list.

If you’re looking for vegetarian weeknight dinners , you’ll be glad to have a yummy pasta skillet

Honestly, this dish brings back memories of my grandma's kitchen. she always made the best comfort food. plus, it's a great way to sneak in some extra greens, right? honestly, your family will love this, and you can totally brag about it! i hope you enjoy these fantastic spinach recipes, and i can't wait to share even more with you.

Happy cooking!

Okay, let's talk about how to nail these creamy spinach & ricotta stuffed shells! this isn't just about following a recipe.

It's about making it yours . i want to give you some recipe notes.

Recipe Notes for Killer Stuffed Shells

Listen, these spinach recipes can be intimidating, but trust me, you got this! this recipe will lead you towards the vegetarian weeknight dinners of your dreams.

Plus, we're talking pasta dinners that even picky eaters will devour. this is also perfect for vegetarische diners . you know?

Serving Suggestions: Making it Look Good!

Okay, so plating. Honestly? Don't stress. Just arrange a few shells artfully on a plate. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan , maybe a fresh basil leaf? Boom. Fancy.

On the side? a simple salad is awesome. also, don't forget about the garlic bread. because, you know, garlic bread.

As for drinks? a nice glass of red wine. i'm thinking chianti, if you're feeling fancy. it always goes great with pasta!

Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh!

Leftovers? score! keep them in the fridge, covered, for up to 3 days. you can also freeze them! wrap them individually.

I usually let them thaw overnight and then reheat them in the oven. just watch them so they don't dry out!

Reheating in the microwave is fine too, but the oven gives them a nicer texture. Honestly, you could use the Pasta Skillet to reheat them with a little more marinara sauce!

Variations: Making it Your Own!

Want to mix it up? No prob! For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta shells. Obvious, I know! Want a lower-fat version? Use part-skim ricotta. It's still yummy.

Seasonal swaps? totally! in the fall, add some roasted butternut squash to the filling. seriously amazing. another great option is adding some spinach mushroom to the recipe, using a delicious spinach mushroom pasta sauce.

With spinach mushroom pasta skillet , you will make the most amazing pasta dinner recipes ever.

Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff!

Okay, so each serving has roughly 520 calories. you get 30g of protein, 30g of fat and 35g of carbs.

But, hey, it's also packed with calcium and iron from the spinach .

Remember, this isn't diet food. It's comfort food! If you want to make it healthier, just tweak the ingredients.

I hope these recipe notes will come in handy. don't be scared to try mushroom pasta , or to add some chopped mushrooms to this amazing recipe! have some fun and don't worry about making mistakes.

Now go make some amazing creamy spinach & ricotta stuffed shells! you got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen spinach for these creamy spinach recipes?

Absolutely! Frozen spinach is a great, convenient option. Just be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much excess water as possible before adding it to the ricotta mixture. Nobody wants a soggy bottom, like they say on Bake Off!

What's the best way to store leftover spinach and ricotta stuffed shells?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or bake the entire dish, covered with foil, in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. It's almost as good as a cheeky Nando's the next day!

Can I make these stuffed shells ahead of time?

You certainly can! Assemble the shells in the baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure they're heated through. It's a proper "get ahead of the game" kind of meal prep.

I'm not a fan of ricotta. Is there a good substitute for these spinach recipes?

While ricotta gives a unique creaminess, you could try using a smooth cottage cheese that has been blended or even a mascarpone cheese for a richer flavour. The texture will be slightly different, but it'll still be delicious. Think of it as putting your own spin on a classic - a bit like Marmite, you'll either love it or hate it!

Can I add meat to this spinach ricotta stuffed shells recipe?

Definitely! Cooked and crumbled Italian sausage or ground beef would be a delicious addition to the spinach and ricotta filling. Just brown it up and drain any excess fat before mixing it in. It'll turn it into a real "Full English" of Italian cooking... well, almost!

Are there any nutritional benefits to eating this spinach recipes dish?

Absolutely! Spinach is packed with vitamins A and C, iron, and antioxidants. Ricotta cheese is a good source of protein and calcium. However, be mindful of the saturated fat content from the cheese and cream, and consider using part-skim ricotta for a healthier option. It's all about balance, like a good cuppa - a little bit of something naughty isn't going to hurt!

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