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Recipe

Vegetarian Stuffed Shells

Deliciously filled pasta shells bursting with a creamy ricotta and spinach mixture, topped with a rich marinara sauce. A comforting and flavorful dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Notes

Vegetarian Stuffed Shells are a delightful pasta dish that showcases large pasta shells filled with a creamy blend of ricotta, spinach, and mozzarella, all brought together with a zesty marinara sauce. The contrast of the velvety filling against the tangy sauce creates a harmony of flavors that is both satisfying and indulgent. Each bite reveals a wonderful balance of textures, from the firm pasta shell to the smooth, cheesy interior, making it a true delight for the senses.
The approach to making stuffed shells revolves around simplicity and flavor layering. By using quality ingredients like fresh spinach, rich ricotta, and aromatic herbs, this dish elevates the comfort of classic pasta into a satisfying meal. The individual flavors meld beautifully as they bake, allowing the cheese to melt and mingle with the marinara, resulting in a dish that’s warm and inviting, perfect for gatherings or family dinners.
Pair these stuffed shells with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to complement the dish’s brightness, or opt for a light red like Pinot Noir to harmonize with the earthy flavors of the spinach. For non-alcoholic options, a refreshing sparkling water with a twist of lemon works wonderfully. Serve alongside a simple green salad and garlic bread to round out the meal, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors and textures on the plate.
These stuffed shells can easily be prepared ahead of time, making them a great option for busy evenings or entertaining. Assemble the shells and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. They also freeze well, so you can prepare a double batch and save one for a rainy day, allowing you to enjoy a comforting dish at a moment’s notice.

Ingredients

Scale servings and toggle unit system.

  • 12 wholejumbo pasta shells
  • 2 cupsricotta cheese
  • 1 cupfresh spinach, chopped, can substitute with frozen
  • 1 cupmozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 8 tablespoonsParmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 wholeegg, for binding
  • 2 clovesgarlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoondried oregano
  • 1 teaspoondried basil
  • 4 cupsmarinara sauce
  • to tastesalt and pepper
  • 1fresh basil leaves, for garnish, optional

Directions

  1. Step1
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    Cook the pasta shells

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

  2. Step2
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    Prepare the filling

    In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

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  3. Step3
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    Preheat the oven

    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

  4. Step4
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    Stuff the shells

    Fill each cooked pasta shell generously with the ricotta mixture, placing them seam side down in a baking dish.

  5. Step5
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    Add marinara sauce

    Pour half of the marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring each shell is covered. Spread the remaining sauce on top.

  6. Step6
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    Sprinkle with cheese

    Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.

  7. Step7
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    Bake the dish

    Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

  8. Step8
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    Garnish and serve

    Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Vegetarian Stuffed Shells | Common Cuisine