Go Back
+ servings
Stuffed Shells

Cheesy Stuffed Shells for a Cozy Holiday Feast

This vegetarian Stuffed Shells recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings, filled with ricotta, spinach, and pecorino cheese.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Stuffing
  • 12 large Pasta Shells Use larger shells for better stuffing
  • 10 oz Spinach Fresh or frozen, thoroughly drained
  • 15 oz Ricotta Cheese
  • 5 oz Pecorino Cheese Can substitute with Parmigiano-Reggiano
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced
  • 1 tsp Oregano Can swap with Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp Lemon Zest Adjust to taste
  • 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes Leave out for milder flavor
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper
For the Sauce
  • 24 oz Marinara Sauce Homemade or store-bought

Equipment

  • 9x13 baking dish
  • Medium saucepan
  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Medium bowl

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil and steam the spinach for 1 minute. Drain and chop finely.
  3. In a large pot of salted water, cook the pasta shells for about 10 minutes until al dente. Drain and drizzle with olive oil.
  4. In a medium bowl, combine spinach, ricotta, pecorino, garlic, oregano, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper until well mixed.
  5. Spread marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish.
  6. Stuff each pasta shell with the filling and place them seam-side up in the dish.
  7. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  8. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 15gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 4gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Use well-drained spinach to avoid a watery filling. Cook pasta al dente, as they'll finish cooking in the oven.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!