Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Shells

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Rich, comforting, and bubbling with flavor, Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Shells are the kind of meal that turns any regular weeknight into something a little more special. It’s the perfect mix of creamy ricotta, hearty spinach, and melty mozzarella all tucked inside tender pasta shells, then smothered in a bright tomato sauce and baked until golden and irresistible.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, prepping for a cozy date night in, or just craving a big dish of cheesy goodness, this dish delivers on all fronts. Plus, it’s a great make-ahead option that freezes beautifully and always impresses at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Shells Recipe

This is one of those meals that feels indulgent but also sneaks in some greens, making it a crowd-pleaser for both picky eaters and vegetable lovers alike. The contrast of textures — creamy filling, soft pasta, and lightly crisped cheese on top — makes every bite a satisfying one. Best of all, it uses ingredients you can find year-round, so there’s no need to wait for a special season to enjoy it.

What Kind of Pasta Shells Should I Use?

Look for jumbo pasta shells, usually labeled “conchiglioni” at most grocery stores. These oversized shells are ideal for holding generous scoops of the ricotta-spinach mixture. They cook quickly and hold their shape well through the baking process, making them perfect for stuffing and layering in the dish.

Ingredients for the Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Shells

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and balance. While the ingredient list is short, each component plays a crucial role in building flavor and texture.

• Jumbo pasta shells
• Ricotta cheese
• Frozen spinach
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Egg
• Marinara sauce
• Garlic
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil

How To Make the Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Boil and Prep the Pasta

Cook the jumbo shells in salted water just until al dente. Drain and lay them out on a baking sheet so they don’t stick while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, thawed and squeezed spinach, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is evenly mixed and creamy.

Step 3: Fill the Shells

Spoon the filling into each cooked shell, packing them generously. You can use a small spoon or piping bag to make this easier.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer, then cover them with the rest of the marinara. Sprinkle with mozzarella and a bit more Parmesan.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly

Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes. Then uncover and bake another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and lightly golden.

How to Serve and Store Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Shells

This hearty pasta dish is a full meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or some crusty garlic bread. A standard 9×13-inch pan feeds about six people, making it ideal for families or small dinner gatherings.

If you have leftovers, they keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or oven. You can also freeze the assembled, unbaked shells for up to 2 months — just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if going straight from freezer to oven.

What to Serve With Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Shells?

Garlic Bread

The buttery crunch of garlic bread is a classic choice that soaks up all that extra sauce.

Caesar Salad

A crisp Caesar with a creamy dressing offers freshness to balance the richness of the pasta.

Roasted Broccoli

Simple roasted broccoli adds a bit of bite and rounds out the veggie count.

Balsamic Glazed Carrots

The sweet and tangy glaze brings a bright contrast to the cheesy, savory shells.

Italian Sausage

For meat lovers, serve grilled or pan-seared sausage on the side for an extra hearty meal.

Tomato Basil Soup

This combo is cozy and nostalgic, and perfect for chilly evenings.

Zucchini Fritters

Light, crispy zucchini fritters make a delightful pairing without overwhelming the dish.

Red Wine

A glass of Chianti or Merlot ties it all together with a little elegance.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If cheesy, saucy comfort food is your thing, don’t miss these other pasta creations from Luna Meals:

• Try the Delicious Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni for a creamy twist on comfort pasta. Delicious Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni
• Keep it veggie-packed with the Creamy Mushroom Ravioli that’s all about earthy flavors. Creamy Mushroom Ravioli
• Go bold with Rattlesnake Pasta for a spicy Tex-Mex vibe. Rattlesnake Pasta
• The Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine will surprise you with buttery heat. Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
• And if you’re in a soup mood, the Creamy Kielbasa Gnocchi Soup has everything a bowl of cozy should have. Creamy Kielbasa Gnocchi Soup

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you sneak in some mushrooms? Try a spicy marinara? Add a twist of your own?

I love hearing how others make these dishes their own. Questions are welcome too — let’s help each other make dinnertime extra delicious.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting meals and cozy comfort dishes on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your new weeknight favorite!

Conclusion

Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Shells are one of those classic, satisfying dishes that never go out of style. They’re easy enough for a casual dinner but delicious enough to serve to guests. And with their freezer-friendly magic, they’re also a meal prep hero. Whether you’re after comfort or convenience, this recipe checks every box.

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