– 20 large pasta shells
– 2 cups ricotta cheese
– 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 3 cups marinara sauce
– Extra mozzarella for topping (optional)
Creating Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells couldn’t be simpler. Just follow these steps:
1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the pasta shells and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare the Filling:
– In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, egg, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
4. Fill the Shells:
– Take each cooked shell and fill them generously with the spinach and ricotta mixture. Place the filled shells in a baking dish.
5. Layer with Marinara Sauce:
– Pour marinara sauce over the filled shells, ensuring they’re well-coated. Sprinkle any remaining mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
6. Bake:
– Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden.
7. Rest:
– Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
8. Garnish:
– Optionally, garnish with fresh basil or extra grated cheese before serving.
Following these steps will lead you to a wonderful plate of Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells that are sure to impress!