Name: Spinach And Cheese Stuffed Shells
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 30 jumbo pasta shells, cooked al dente; 15 oz fresh spinach, steamed, squeezed dry, and chopped*; 15 oz ricotta cheese; 1 large egg; 3 Tbsp chopped fresh basil; 1 tsp chopped fresh oregano or thyme; 1 clove garlic, finely minced; 3 cups (12 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided; 1 cup (3.5 oz) shredded Parmesan cheese; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 3 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought); Red pepper flakes (optional)

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A comforting and hearty Italian-style pasta dish featuring jumbo shells filled with a creamy trio of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, blended with tender spinach and fragrant herbs, all baked under marinara sauce. It’s pure comfort food that pleases both kids and adults alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich, cheesy filling meets nutritious spinach in every bite.
Crowd-pleasing: perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings.
Versatile and customizable—use fresh or frozen spinach, homemade or jarred sauce.
Freezer-friendly for easy make-ahead meals.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

30 jumbo pasta shells, cooked al dente
15 oz fresh spinach, steamed until wilted, squeezed dry and chopped*
15 oz ricotta cheese
1 large egg
3 Tbsp chopped fresh basil
1 tsp chopped fresh oregano or thyme
1 clove garlic, finely minced
3 cups (12 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1 cup (3.5 oz) shredded Parmesan cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
3 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 °F (190 °C).
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta and egg with basil, oregano (or thyme), and garlic.
Stir in 2 cups mozzarella and the Parmesan, then mix in prepared spinach. Season with salt and pepper.
Spread 1/3 cup marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a 13×9-inch baking dish.
Stuff cooked shells with about 2 Tbsp of the cheese-spinach mixture and arrange them upright side by side in the dish.
If desired, stir red pepper flakes into the remaining sauce for a bit of heat.
Pour remaining marinara sauce over the shells, then sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup mozzarella.
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Serve warm.

Servings And Timing

Servings: 10
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Ready in: 55 minutes total

Variations

Spinach option: Use thawed, drained frozen spinach instead of fresh. Make sure to squeeze it dry before mixing into the cheese.
Herb swap: If fresh herbs aren’t available, substitute with ⅓ the quantity of dried herbs.
Sauce choice: Opt for your favorite homemade marinara or a jarred version for convenience.
Add protein: Stir in cooked ground beef or sausage into the sauce or filling for extra heartiness.

Storage/Reheating

To freeze: Assemble the dish, then freeze before baking. It will keep well for several months.
To reheat: Thaw overnight in the fridge. Let it sit at room temperature while your oven preheats, then bake until warmed through and bubbly.

FAQs

What can I use instead of fresh spinach?
Frozen, thawed, and well-drained spinach works perfectly—just squeeze out excess moisture.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Freeze assembled shells before baking—they reheat beautifully.
Do the shells need to be cooked first?
Yes, cook the pasta shells to al dente stage to ensure they don’t tear when stuffing and don’t become mushy after baking.
What herbs work best?
Fresh basil and oregano (or thyme) are recommended, but dried herbs can substitute at one-third the amount.
Is red pepper optional?
Absolutely—it’s optional, just adds a bit of heat if you like.
Can I reduce sodium?
Yes—choose low-sodium cheeses and make or use a low-salt marinara. Omit added salt if desired.
What size baking dish should I use?
A 13×9-inch casserole dish fits well for this recipe.
Can I add meat to this?
Certainly! Adding ground beef or sausage to the sauce or filling is a tasty variation.
Can I broil the top?
Yes—after baking, remove the foil, broil briefly to get the cheese bubbly and golden.
What sides pair well with this?
Serve with steamed or roasted vegetables or a crisp side salad for a balanced meal.

Conclusion

This Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Shells recipe brings together comforting cheese, wholesome spinach, and vibrant herbs under a delicious marinara cover. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, prepping ahead, or craving a cozy dinner, it delivers warmth, flavor, and satisfaction in every forkful.