A classic Italian comfort food dish, these Easy Spinach Stuffed Shells never fail to impress!
Has anyone ever signed up for Ancestry DNA?
Seriously, I’ve got to sign up and see if there’s even a smidge of Italian in me. I’m thinking there’s only a slim chance, but you’d never know it by my appetite for Italian food.
I don’t think I’ve ever tried an Italian dish I haven’t loved.
Lasagna, meatballs, pasta, risotto, osso buco, breads, antipasto and the list goes on!
I mean really, what’s not to love?
Some of my most popular dishes here at the BHK are Italian. My Lasagna Bolognese, Chicken Osso Buco and Italian Wedding Soup all get rave reviews. They’re all lick your place clean kind of dishes, without a doubt.
When I think comfort food, something pasta is usually the first thing that pops into my mind. And today’s Easy Spinach Stuffed Shells push all my buttons.
Jumbo shells stuffed with a cheesy ricotta mixture, fresh spinach, garlic, oregano, a pinch of red pepper for spice all nestled in a tangy tomato sauce.
It’s Italian comfort food at its best!
This is one dish I always seem to have portion control issues with. They’re just too tough to resist.
Served with a small side salad, perhaps some homemade garlic bread and a glass of wine and mangia mangia! Enjoy!
A Few Cook’s Notes for Easy Spinach Stuffed Shells Recipe:
I use fresh baby spinach leaves that I steam and squeeze the moisture from after they’ve cooled, but you can also use frozen spinach.
A classic Italian comfort food dish, these Easy Spinach Stuffed Shells never fail to disappoint!
- 1 12-oz. package jumbo shells
- 4 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
- 3 cups mozzarella cheese, finely shredded, divided
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1 Tbsp. fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tsp. fresh oregano, finely chopped
- 15 oz. fresh baby spinach leaves, steamed until wilted and then squeezed dry and chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes, if desired for spice
- 3 cups marinara sauce, fresh or jarred
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
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Cook pasta according to package directions.
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In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 2 cups mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, eggs, parsley, oregano, spinach, garlic, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes.
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In a 13x9-inch baking dish or large casserole dish, spread about 1/2 cup of the marinara sauce. Fill each of the cooked shells evenly with the ricotta mixture. Place 15 of the stuffed shells into the prepared dish. Top with half of the remaining marinara sauce. Top with remaining 15 shells and then top with remainder of marinara. Sprinkle with remaining one cup of shredded mozzarella. Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes or until shells look bubbly.
OK ! Basta ! I’m moving to the States to become your beach house neighbour ! :-)
Lol!
This is my kind of food! I think I must be part Italian too! I love pasta of any kind, but especially when it’s filled with cheese.
Me too Kathy! Hope you have a great week!
Love Italian food too, but I also love Mexican food. I think I just love about every cuisine, lol. And speaking of love, how good do these stuffed shells look?? Every Monday needs to start with a big plate o comfort food like this. Pinned! Have a wonderful week :)
Thanks Dawn! I love Mexican too. I think I just love to eat overall! Hope you have a great week too.
I’ve always thought I must have some Italian in me, too, but also, little chance of that here. Loving this classic! It’s just so hard to beat pasta, cheese and tomatoes ever :) And so pretty, too!
THanks Jennifer! Can’t beat cheesy pasta!
I’ve done it! And it reflects all the Italian in me, just as I suspected! ;) I have a feeling this will become a very popular recipe for BHK! It’s certainly popular with me!! Well done, my friend!
Lucky you Annie! I may not be Italian, but I LOVE my Italian food! Happy Monday!
I’m with you on Italian food! And these stuffed shells are exactly the kind of dish I love! Mouthwatering photos as always, Mary Ann!!
Thanks Marissa! Can’t beat Italian food!
Mary Ann, Italian food has to be my fave! They make everything so GOOD! These stuffed shells would be a big hit at our house!
What’s not to love, right Kelly?! So many dishes, so little time!
I don’t think it’s possible to not like Italian foods! This dish looks AMAZING. Definitely something my whole family would love!! Happy Monday!
I agree Katherine! Thanks. Happy Monday!
Mary Ann, these shells look so good, I could just lick my computer. I’m not sure I’d have good portion control once it’s in front of me! Pinning for sure, so I can make them soon! Gorgeous, too! BTW, I’ve done the Ancestry DNA, but no surprises for me – totally Northern European and German. Sadly not even 1% from that beatiful boot. Thanks for the recipe!
I hope you enjoy them Laura! You’re so welcome!
I am 100% with you on Italian food! It’s all so so good, especially stuffed shells! These look absolutely perfect, Mare!! I know what I’m making next time the craving for comfort food strikes!! Pinned!
Yay! Thanks for pinning Chey!
I’ve not signed up but I’m certain I’d find an Italian line in my family too. You know I could totally faceplant into this pasta dish, Mare! Absolutely delicious!
It’s one of my favorites Traci! Hope you’re having a great week!
This stuffed shells recipe is sure to be a hit in any household! Sure do know it won’t take long to devour this dish! Looks amazingly delicious!
They go fast for sure Kevin, like all Italian food at our house!
Pasta is sooo my comfort food, Mary Ann. I’ve never made stuffed shells before so definitely want to give this a go. Can you make it ahead of time and then bake it the next day? Seems like that should be fine but wanted to check. Looking forward to trying this. Pinning to share!
Mine too Geraldine! Yes, you can make them ahead and bake the next day. Enjoy!
I have always wanted to do one of those tests!! My husband just sent his in – he is part everything so it will be interesting to see what comes back! This pasta dish is amazing!!
Thanks Joanne!