Stuff the Shells:
Use a spoon to gently fill each cooled shell with the ricotta and spinach mixture. Aim for generous portions but be careful not to tear the pasta.
Prepare the Baking Dish:
Spread two cups of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells close together on top. Sprinkle extra pecorino cheese over the shells for a golden crust.
Bake and Garnish:
Bake in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 to 25 minutes until the filling is hot and the cheese melted. Remove from oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot with additional marinara on the side.
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A bowl of pasta with a red sauce.
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A bowl of pasta with a red sauce. | gracefulflavors.com
You Must Know
This dish is rich in protein and calcium thanks to the ricotta and pecorino cheeses
It freezes well making it perfect for meal prep and easy family dinners
Spinach makes it a good source of iron and vitamins without overpowering the flavor
I love the lemon zest in this recipe—it brings a brightness that lifts the creamy filling. One Christmas, my whole family kept reaching for seconds, and the fresh parsley garnish was the little touch that made it feel homemade and special.
Storage Tips
Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat covered in the oven or microwave to keep them moist. For longer storage, freeze the unbaked dish before baking; thaw overnight and bake as usual.
Ingredient Substitutions
Ricotta can be swapped with cottage cheese for a lower fat option but the texture will be less creamy. Fresh kale or Swiss chard work well instead of spinach as long as you wilt and drain them thoroughly. If you prefer a meatier filling, add cooked Italian sausage to the cheese mixture.
Serving Suggestions
These shells pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or a side of roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots. A rustic garlic bread on the side can soak up extra marinara sauce and round out the meal.
Cultural Context
Stuffed pasta shells are an Italian-American classic especially popular around special occasions and holidays. They showcase traditional flavors with a home-cooked feeling that is a comforting contrast to busy holiday routines.
A white bowl filled with pasta and sauce.
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A white bowl filled with pasta and sauce. | gracefulflavors.com
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Pro Tips
Make sure to drain the spinach well to avoid watery filling that can make the shells soggy.
Do not skip drizzling olive oil on the cooked pasta shells to keep them separate and easy to fill.
Toast the dried oregano briefly in a dry pan before mixing in for an extra depth of flavor—I learned the hard way that this step makes a difference.
