Ricotta and spinach stuffed pasta shells is a classic Italian dish that combines the flavors of creamy ricotta cheese, spinach, and pasta. This hearty meal can be a delicious weeknight dinner option or an impressive addition to a holiday table. The combination of textures and flavors provides a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Whether you are new to cooking or a seasoned chef, this guide will provide you with the steps and tips necessary to create the perfect ricotta and spinach stuffed pasta shells dish.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
SPINACH AND RICOTTA STUFFED SHELLS
Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells. Jumbo pasta shells stuffed with three types of cheeses and topped with pasta sauce!
Provided by Kelley Simmons
Categories Main Course
Time 45m
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Cook pasta until al dente according to package directions.
- Heat oil in a large skillet. Add onion and cook until tender about 3-4 minutes. Add in garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Transfer the spinach mixture to a large bowl and add in ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Spread about 1/2 of the sauce in the bottom of a 8 x8 or 9 x 9 baking dish.
- Stuff shells with the spinach cheese mixture and place in the baking dish.
- Top with the remaining sauce and bake for 20-30 minutes or until warmed through.
- Serve immediately with basil and parmesan cheese, if desired.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 419 kcal, Carbohydrate 30 g, Protein 25 g, Fat 23 g, SaturatedFat 12 g, Cholesterol 103 mg, Sodium 1242 mg, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 6 g, ServingSize 1 serving
RICOTTA AND SPINACH STUFFED PASTA SHELLS
Make and share this Ricotta and Spinach Stuffed Pasta Shells recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Terese
Categories Pasta Shells
Time 1h25m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Cook pasta in a large saucepan of boiling water, uncovered, 3 minutes; drain.
- Cool slightly.
- Preheat oven to moderate.
- Boil, steam or microwave spinach until just wilted; drain.
- Chop spinach finely, squeeze out excess liquid.
- Combine spinach in a large bowl with ricotta and cottage cheese; spoon spinach mixture into pasta shells.
- Combine sauce and stock in oiled shallow 2 litre (8 cup) ovenproof dish.
- Place pasta shells in dish; sprinkle with parmesan.
- Bake, covered, in moderate oven about 1 hour or until pasta is tender.
SPINACH AND MUSHROOM STUFFED SHELLS
Provided by Jeff Mauro, host of Sandwich King
Categories main-dish
Time 1h40m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 24
Steps:
- Lightly grease a rimmed baking sheet with the oil and set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook until al dente according to the package directions. Reserve 1 cup of the cooking water and set aside for making the Vodka Sauce. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Drain well. Arrange the pasta in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a food processor, add the mushrooms and shallot and pulse until chopped into about 1/8-inch pieces. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the mushrooms and shallots. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add the spinach to the skillet and cover to allow the spinach to wilt, about 2 minutes more. Stir in the parsley and transfer to a large bowl.
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, pine nuts, basil chiffonade, 1 cup mozzarella, 1/4 cup Parmesan and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Combine the cheese mixture with the mushroom mixture. Stuff each shell with about 2 tablespoons of the filling.
- In the skillet where the mushrooms were cooked, add about 1 cup Vodka Sauce and spread it in an even layer. Arrange the stuffed shells in a circular pattern. Add the remaining 1 1/2 cups sauce, 1/4 cup Parmesan and 1/2 cup mozzarella in between and on top of the shells (leaving the tops of the shells mostly exposed). Cover and cook over medium heat until the cheese is melted and bubbling, about 10 minutes.
- Garnish with more Parmesan and basil leaves, and serve.
- In a large skillet over low heat, add the butter, onion, garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 5 to 10 minutes. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the tomatoes, cream, vodka, tomato paste, 1/2 cup pasta cooking water and salt and pepper to taste. Let simmer for about 10 minutes, adding more reserved pasta water as needed.
SPINACH-RICOTTA STUFFED SHELLS
Jumbo pasta shells stuffed with ricotta cheese and baked in tomato sauce is a comforting classic. For this version, add in loads of cooked greens to the filling to add a fresh and colorful vegetable component, without skimping on the oozy cheese.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories main-dish
Time 1h30m
Yield 8 to 10 servings
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Make the sauce: Heat the olive oil in a large wide pot over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook, stirring, until thickened, 15 to 20 minutes; season with salt. (You should have about 4 heaping cups of sauce.)
- Make the stuffed shells: Preheat the oven to 375˚ F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook as the label directs for baking, about 9 minutes. Rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Spread out on a baking sheet.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the spinach and cook, tossing occasionally, until wilted, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove to a large plate lined with a kitchen towel. Squeeze to remove any excess liquid, then finely chop.
- Put the spinach in a large bowl and add the ricotta, mozzarella, parsley, Parmesan, lemon zest, beaten egg, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper. Stir until combined.
- To assemble, spread about half of the sauce in the bottom of a 10-by-14-inch baking dish. Evenly fill the shells with the spinach-ricotta mixture using a spoon, or pipe it in using a pastry bag. Arrange the shells side by side, open-side up, in the baking dish on top of the sauce, then top with the remaining sauce.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake until heated through and the sauce is simmering around the edges, about 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake until any shells or cheese poking through the sauce are lightly browned in spots, about 10 more minutes. Let sit 10 minutes. Top with more Parmesan and red pepper flakes.
SPINACH AND CHEESE STUFFED PASTA SHELLS
Magnificent jumbo pasta shells stuffed to bursting with cheesy spinach filling.
Provided by KITKATY
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Italian
Time 1h20m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil, gently place pasta shells in boiling water; bring water back to boil. Cook until noodles are just tender; drain well.
- Squeeze spinach dry. Combine spinach, ricotta, 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, fennel, basil and garlic in a large mixing bowl. Season with salt and pepper; mix well.
- Spread 1/2 cup marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Fill each pasta shell with the spinach cheese mixture. Arrange the shells, filling side up in the baking dish. Spoon remaining marinara sauce over the shells. Sprinkle remaining Parmesan cheese on top of the shells.
- Cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil and bake in preheated oven until heated through; about 30 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 702.9 calories, Carbohydrate 94.9 g, Cholesterol 59.4 mg, Fat 21.3 g, Fiber 10.2 g, Protein 33 g, SaturatedFat 11 g, Sodium 1004 mg, Sugar 15.7 g
RICOTTA, SPINACH & CHICKEN STUFFED PASTA SHELLS
I've found that food recipes for the masses just didn't suit as in our home, we like a lot more seasoning. However, with a daughter that is vegetarian, I adapted this by just eliminating the chicken. It still is a tasty dish to take to events away. Sometimes it is difficult to buy the very large pasta shells, but I have found them at various fruit & veggie barns. My favourite shell is Conchiglioni 87/b by Divella.
Provided by Mooloolaba Denise
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 1h10m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 180F (160C) (I use my NuWave Oven for about 45 minutes).
- Par-cook the pasta in boiling water for 3 minutes. Drain and cool slightly.
- Brush a shallow 8 cup ovenproof baking dish or ramekins, with oil. (or spray).
- Microwave the spinach until just wilted. Then drain and chop finely, squeezing out excess liquid.
- Combine spinach, ricotta and cottage cheese annd spoon or pipe into the pasta shells.
- Combine the pasta sauce and stock and pour into the prepared dish or ramekins. Place the shells on top and scatter pieces of skinless chicken around. Sprinkle grated parmesan over all.
- Bake covered for about 1 hour and scatter torn basil leaves on top to serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 885, Fat 25.5, SaturatedFat 12.7, Cholesterol 136.6, Sodium 1841.6, Carbohydrate 86.9, Fiber 6.3, Sugar 18.1, Protein 75.4
STUFFED SHELLS FILLED WITH SPINACH AND RICOTTA
These are comforting and easy to put together. You can make them ahead and heat them in the oven when you're ready for dinner.
Provided by Martha Rose Shulman
Categories dinner, weekday, pastas, main course
Time 1h
Yield About 40 shells, serving 6
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt generously. Fill a bowl with ice water. Blanch the spinach for no more than 20 seconds, just until wilted, and transfer to the ice water, then drain. Squeeze out excess water. Bring the water in the pot back to a boil and add the pasta shells. Cook al dente, about 10 minutes, and drain and toss with the olive oil. Set aside.
- Turn on a food processor fitted with the steel blade and drop in the garlic. When the garlic is chopped and adhering to the sides of the bowl, stop the machine and scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the spinach and pulse to chop finely. Add the ricotta and the egg and process until well blended. Add 1/3 cup of the Parmesan, the chives, and salt and pepper to taste. Pulse until well blended.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Oil a large baking dish or two 2-quart dishes. The shells should fit into the dish in one layer. Fill each shell with a scant tablespoon of the filling. Arrange in a single layer in the baking dish. Top with the tomato sauce and cover the dish with foil.
- Bake 30 minutes in the preheated oven. Remove from the heat, sprinkle on the remaining Parmesan, and serve.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 424, UnsaturatedFat 6 grams, Carbohydrate 54 grams, Fat 14 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 21 grams, SaturatedFat 6 grams, Sodium 672 milligrams, Sugar 7 grams, TransFat 0 grams
RICOTTA AND SPINACH STUFFED SHELLS
Part-skim ricotta keeps calories at bay; spinach and bulgur deliver antioxidants and fiber. The complex carbs in pasta boost serotonin, the mood-stabilizing neurochemical.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Ingredients Pasta and Grains
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Pulse tomatoes and their juices in a food processor until smooth.
- Heat oil in a medium pan over medium heat. Saute onion and garlic until tender, about 7 minutes. Add tomatoes and cook, stirring until slightly thickened, about 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Let cool.
- Heat oven to 350 degrees. Pour boiling water over bulgur, cover, and let stand until soft and water is absorbed, 30 minutes.
- Cook shells in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain and let cool.
- Steam spinach, covered, over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until tender. Squeeze out excess moisture, coarsely chop, and add to bulgur. Stir in ricotta. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in egg.
- Coat bottom of a 9-by-13-inch casserole dish with 1 cup sauce. Spoon filling into shells and arrange in pan. Add remaining sauce, cover with foil, and bake until bubbling, about 40 minutes. Sprinkle with Parmesan before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 392 g, Cholesterol 59 g, Fat 11 g, Fiber 7 g, Protein 21 g, Sodium 339 g
Tips:
- To ensure even cooking, use a large pot of boiling water and add the pasta shells a few at a time.
- Do not overcook the pasta shells, as they will become too soft and mushy.
- To prevent the pasta shells from sticking together, add a tablespoon of olive oil to the boiling water.
- For the ricotta filling, use fresh ricotta cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- If you don't have spinach on hand, you can use other leafy greens such as kale or Swiss chard.
- To make the marinara sauce, use a combination of fresh and canned tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Simmer the marinara sauce for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- When stuffing the pasta shells, be careful not to overfill them, as they may burst during cooking.
- To prevent the pasta shells from drying out, cover them with foil before baking.
- Serve the ricotta and spinach stuffed pasta shells immediately, topped with additional marinara sauce and grated Parmesan cheese.
Conclusion:
Ricotta and spinach stuffed pasta shells are a delicious and elegant dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a creamy ricotta filling, flavorful spinach, and a rich marinara sauce, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. Follow these tips to make the best ricotta and spinach stuffed pasta shells: use fresh ricotta cheese, don't overcook the pasta shells, and simmer the marinara sauce for at least 30 minutes. With a little effort, you can create a restaurant-quality dish that will impress your friends and family.
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