How Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Make Healthy Dinners

Are you ready to whip up a delicious and healthy dinner that the whole family will love? I’m excited to share my recipe for Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells! This dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies. Perfect for those busy weeknights, these stuffed shells are one of my favorite easy pasta recipes that can be made in just 30 minutes. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for 30-minute meals.
• Packed with nutritious spinach and creamy ricotta, it’s a healthy delicious vegetarian dinner.
• Great for meal prep and can be made ahead of time.
• Perfect for dinner ideas for two vegetarian or a family feast!
• Versatile and can be paired with various sides for a complete meal.

Ingredients

To make these scrumptious stuffed shells, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 12 large pasta shells
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
4. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
5. Stuff each pasta shell with the ricotta and spinach mixture and place them in the baking dish.
6. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your stuffed shells turn out perfectly:

• Feel free to add other veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers to the ricotta mixture for extra flavor.
• If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought marinara sauce.
• For a little kick, add some red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture.
• These shells can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking.

How to Serve

These Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells are delicious on their own, but you can elevate your meal with some tasty sides. Here are a few ideas:

• Pair with a fresh garden salad for a light and healthy meal.
• Serve alongside air-fryer-roasted-asparagus for a delightful crunch.
• Try some 10-minute air-fryer-broccoli for a quick and nutritious side.
• For a more indulgent option, serve with garlic bread.

Make Ahead and Storage

If you’re like me and love to meal prep, you’ll be thrilled to know that these stuffed shells can be made ahead of time! Here’s how:

• Assemble the stuffed shells and place them in the baking dish, but don’t bake them yet. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
• When you’re ready to eat, simply remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

So there you have it! My Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells are not only a fantastic option for quick family dinners but also a delightful way to enjoy a healthy delicious vegetarian dinner. Whether you’re looking for dinner ideas simple healthy or just want to indulge in some creamy goodness, this recipe is sure to please. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out!