If you’re craving a rich, cheesy, and satisfying meal, these Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells are the perfect choice!
This classic Italian-inspired dish combines jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy ricotta and spinach mixture, baked to perfection in a flavorful marinara sauce with gooey melted mozzarella on top.
Not only is this meal delicious, but it’s also easy to prepare and makes for great leftovers!
If you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner, a meal to impress guests, or a dish to make ahead for busy days, Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells will be a new family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Easy & Flavorful – Simple ingredients with restaurant-quality taste.
✅ Perfect for Meal Prep – Make ahead and bake when ready!
✅ Vegetarian-Friendly – A hearty, meat-free comfort meal.
✅ Kid-Approved – Even picky eaters love the cheesy goodness.
✅ Freezer-Friendly – Store leftovers for quick meals later.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Shells and Filling:
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Sauce and Baking:
- 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook them until they are al dente (about 8-10 minutes, or according to package instructions).
- Drain and rinse the shells with cold water to stop cooking and prevent them from sticking together. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, and chopped spinach.
- Add garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Stir everything together until well combined. The mixture should be creamy and slightly thick.
Step 3: Stuff the Shells
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
- Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each pasta shell with the prepared cheese and spinach mixture.
- Place the stuffed shells in the baking dish, open side up, in a single layer.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
- Pour the remaining 1 cup of marinara sauce over the stuffed shells.
- Sprinkle extra mozzarella cheese generously on top.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
- Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top for added flavor and a beautiful presentation.
- Serve hot with garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Tips for Perfect Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells
✔ Use Fresh or Frozen Spinach – If using frozen spinach, be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture to prevent a watery filling.
✔ Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Slightly undercooked pasta shells hold their shape better when baked.
✔ Try Different Cheeses – Mix in goat cheese or cream cheese for extra richness.
✔ Make It Spicy – Add red pepper flakes to the filling for a little heat.
✔ Add Protein – Mix in cooked shredded chicken, ground turkey, or crumbled tofu for a protein boost.
Make-Ahead & Freezing Instructions
✅ Make Ahead:
- Assemble the stuffed shells and cover them tightly with plastic wrap and foil.
- Refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- When ready to bake, remove from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes, then bake as directed.
✅ Freezing Instructions:
- Place assembled stuffed shells in a freezer-safe dish.
- Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
- To bake from frozen, cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 40-45 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10 minutes.
Variations & Customizations
🍄 Mushroom & Spinach Stuffed Shells – Sauté chopped mushrooms and mix them into the ricotta filling for a deeper flavor.
🌱 Pesto Stuffed Shells – Swap out the spinach for basil pesto for a fresh, herby twist.
🥩 Meaty Stuffed Shells – Add cooked and crumbled Italian sausage or ground beef to the marinara sauce for a heartier dish.
🧀 Extra Cheesy – Mix in fontina, asiago, or provolone cheese for an even cheesier bite.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Yes! A good quality jarred marinara works perfectly. If you prefer homemade, simply sauté garlic in olive oil, add crushed tomatoes, and season with salt, pepper, and basil.
❓ Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes! Cottage cheese is a great substitute and makes the dish slightly lighter.
❓ What side dishes go well with stuffed shells?
Stuffed shells pair well with garlic bread, Caesar salad, roasted veggies, or a simple Italian side salad.
❓ How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes or microwave until warmed through.
❓ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free jumbo shells, which are available in most grocery stores.
Final Thoughts
These Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells are the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor!
If you’re making them for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or serving them on a special occasion, they’re guaranteed to impress.
Try this easy, no-fail recipe today and enjoy a warm, satisfying dish that everyone will love!