Description
Experience the joy of the holiday season with this Easy special occasion Stuffed Shells Recipe. These delightful jumbo pasta shells are generously filled with a creamy mixture of ricotta cheese, fresh spinach, and aromatic spices, making them a perfect vegetarian option that everyone will adore. The vibrant colors and flavors create an inviting dish for family gatherings or intimate dinners alike. Not only are they simple to prepare in just 15 minutes, but they also reheat beautifully, making leftovers a tasty treat throughout the week. Serve these beautiful stuffed shells topped with marinara sauce and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a festive touch that will impress your guests.
Ingredients
Scale
- 18 to 20 jumbo pasta shells
- Extra-virgin olive oil (for drizzling)
- 5 ounces fresh spinach
- 2 cups ricotta cheese (16 ounces)
- 1/4 cup grated pecorino cheese (and extra for sprinkling)
- 2 grated garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 3/4 teaspoon sea salt (plus extra for pasta water)
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cups marinara sauce (plus extra for serving)
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells in boiling salted water until al dente, then drain.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, spinach, pecorino, garlic, oregano, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff each shell with about 2 tablespoons of the filling and place them in a greased baking dish.
- Cover with marinara sauce and drizzle with olive oil. Bake covered for 20 minutes and uncovered for another 10 minutes until bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 stuffed shells (approximately 304g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg