Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells with Marinara is a comforting and hearty Italian-inspired dish that brings together tender pasta shells filled with a creamy mixture of ricotta, spinach, and herbs, all baked in a rich marinara sauce topped with melty mozzarella.

This recipe is the perfect combination of flavors and textures — creamy, cheesy, saucy, and perfectly baked. Each bite feels like pure comfort, wrapped in the warmth of Italian home-style cooking. It’s an impressive dish that’s simple enough for a family dinner yet elegant enough for entertaining guests.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it combines two of my favorite things — cheese and pasta! The creamy spinach-ricotta filling is so satisfying, and the tangy marinara sauce perfectly balances the richness of the cheese.

It’s also a great way to sneak in some greens — even picky eaters can’t resist the cheesy filling! The aroma of bubbling sauce and melted cheese as it bakes is irresistible, filling your kitchen with that cozy, Italian restaurant smell.

Plus, it’s perfect for meal prepping — you can assemble it ahead of time, refrigerate, or even freeze it for later.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because:

It’s comfort food at its finest, cheesy, rich, and deeply flavorful.
Perfect for vegetarians yet hearty enough to satisfy everyone.
A great make-ahead meal for busy weeknights or entertaining.
Versatile — you can switch up fillings, sauces, and toppings easily.
Beautiful presentation with minimal effort — it looks like you spent hours making it!

Preparation and Cooking Time

Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Servings & Calories

Servings: 6 (about 3–4 shells per person)
Calories: ~410 kcal per serving

Cuisine & Course

Cuisine: Italian-American
Course: Main Course / Dinner

Ingredients

For the Stuffed Shells:

20 jumbo pasta shells
1½ cups ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
1 large egg
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper

For the Marinara Sauce:

2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Simple Cooking Directions

Cook the pasta shells and set aside.
Mix the ricotta, spinach, cheeses, egg, and seasoning for the filling.
Spread marinara sauce in a baking dish, stuff the shells, and arrange them.
Top with sauce and cheese, then bake until golden and bubbly.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the jumbo shells and cook until al dente (about 9–10 minutes).
Drain and rinse under cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside on a tray.

Step 2: Prepare the Spinach Ricotta Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

Ricotta cheese
Mozzarella cheese (reserve ½ cup for topping)
Parmesan cheese
Cooked and drained spinach (squeeze out excess moisture)
Minced garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning
Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 4: Stuff the Shells

Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each cooked shell with 2–3 tablespoons of the ricotta-spinach mixture.
Arrange stuffed shells in a single layer over the marinara sauce.

Step 5: Add More Sauce and Cheese

Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells.
Sprinkle with the reserved mozzarella and a little extra Parmesan for extra cheesiness.

Step 6: Bake

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.

Step 7: Serve

Let the dish cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and enjoy with garlic bread or a side salad.

How to Serve

Serve hot, straight from the baking dish.
Pair with garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete Italian meal.
Drizzle extra marinara sauce on top and sprinkle with fresh herbs and grated Parmesan before serving.

Additional Recipe Tips

Do not overcook pasta shells — they should be slightly firm so they hold their shape.
Squeeze all excess water out of spinach to avoid a watery filling.
You can use a piping bag to neatly fill the shells.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or lemon zest to the ricotta mixture.
Let the baked shells rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to help them set.

Variations

Meaty Version: Add cooked ground beef, sausage, or turkey to the marinara sauce.
Four-Cheese Delight: Use ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and provolone in the filling.
Vegan Option: Use dairy-free ricotta and vegan mozzarella, and skip the egg.
Spinach & Mushroom Filling: Sauté mushrooms with garlic and mix into the ricotta.
Spicy Arrabbiata Style: Use spicy marinara sauce for a fiery twist.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Freezing (Unbaked): Assemble the shells, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen (add 15–20 extra minutes).
Freezing (Baked): Cool completely, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months.

Special Equipment Needed

Large pot for boiling pasta
Mixing bowls
Spoon or piping bag for filling
9×13-inch baking dish
Aluminum foil
Oven

FAQ

Q1: Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, absolutely! Just make sure it’s fully thawed and well-drained before mixing into the ricotta.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish up to 24 hours ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.

Q3: Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes, but blend it first for a smoother texture.

Q4: What if I don’t have jumbo shells?
You can use manicotti pasta tubes or layer the filling between lasagna sheets.

Q5: How do I keep shells from sticking together?
Rinse cooked shells under cold water and lay them on a lightly oiled tray while you prepare the filling.

Conclusion

Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells with Marinara is the ultimate comfort food — rich, creamy, cheesy, and baked to perfection in a luscious tomato sauce. It’s a dish that brings warmth to the table and joy to anyone who tastes it.

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe is an absolute showstopper — comforting, wholesome, and irresistibly delicious. The combination of creamy spinach filling, tender pasta, and melty cheese makes it a timeless classic you’ll want to make again and again.