Savory Spinach & Ricotta-Stuffed Pasta Shells
Indulge in a comforting classic with our Savory Spinach & Ricotta-Stuffed Pasta Shells. This family-favorite recipe features plump pasta shells generously filled with a creamy blend of whole milk ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, combined with vibrantly seasoned chopped spinach. Complemented by a rich meat sauce made from ground Italian sausage and chuck, garlic, and sweet onions, this dish is perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners. For a lighter version, feel free to substitute reduced-fat cheeses and a simple marinara sauce. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or reheated, each bite is a delicious blend of flavors that'll have everyone coming back for seconds.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Large Pasta Shells
40 (uncooked)
Olive Oil
1 teaspoon (for sautéing)
Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese
2 lbs (softened)
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
8 ounces (shredded)
Shredded Parmesan Cheese
1 cup (shredded)
Frozen Chopped Spinach
2 lbs (thawed and drained)
Chopped Garlic
4 tablespoons (divided)
Eggs
2 (lightly beaten)
Italian Seasoning
1 teaspoon
Salt and Pepper
to taste
Tomato Sauce
52 ounces (2 jars of 26 ounces each)
Tomato Paste
14 ounces (canned)
Ground Italian Sausage
1 lb (uncooked)
Ground Chuck
1 lb (uncooked)
Chopped Onion
1/2 cup
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Savory Spinach & Ricotta-Stuffed Pasta Shells.
How many pasta shells are required for this recipe?
You will need 40 large pasta shells.
What type of ricotta cheese is recommended?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of softened whole milk ricotta cheese.
How much spinach is used in the filling?
The recipe uses 2 lbs of frozen chopped spinach that has been thawed and drained.
What kinds of meat are included in the sauce?
The rich meat sauce is made from 1 lb of ground Italian sausage and 1 lb of ground chuck.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
Can I make a lighter version of this dish?
Yes, you can substitute reduced-fat cheeses and use a simple marinara sauce for a lighter version.
What cheeses are mixed with the spinach?
The filling consists of whole milk ricotta, 8 ounces of shredded mozzarella, and 1 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe requires 4 tablespoons of chopped garlic, which is divided between parts of the dish.
What is the purpose of the eggs in the recipe?
Two lightly beaten eggs are used to help bind the cheese and spinach filling together.
How much tomato sauce should I buy?
You will need 52 ounces of tomato sauce, which is typically two 26-ounce jars.
What seasonings are used for the filling?
The filling is seasoned with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
Is onion used in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1/2 cup of chopped onion.
Does the recipe use tomato paste?
Yes, it includes a 14-ounce can of tomato paste for the sauce.
How much olive oil is used?
One teaspoon of olive oil is used for sautéing.
What is the main category of this dish?
The category for this dish is Pasta Shells.
Is this dish suitable for a family dinner?
Yes, it is described as a family-favorite recipe perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners.
Can these shells be reheated?
Yes, they are delicious both fresh out of the oven and when reheated.
Is the spinach used fresh or frozen?
The recipe specifically calls for frozen chopped spinach that has been thawed and drained.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
While this recipe is designed for large shells, the filling and sauce would also work well with manicotti.
Are the pasta shells cooked before stuffing?
The ingredients list 40 uncooked large pasta shells; they are typically boiled until al dente before being stuffed.
What makes the sauce 'rich'?
The combination of ground Italian sausage, ground chuck, tomato paste, and garlic creates a deep, rich flavor.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a comforting classic and a family-favorite baked dish.
What is the total count of ingredients?
There are 15 distinct ingredients used in this recipe.
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chuck?
Yes, ground turkey can be substituted for ground chuck for a leaner meat sauce.
How much mozzarella is needed?
You will need 8 ounces of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Is the ricotta used cold or softened?
The recipe recommends using softened ricotta cheese for easier mixing.
What flavor profile does this dish have?
It has a savory, cheesy, and herb-rich Italian flavor profile.
Does this recipe include any tags for searching?
Yes, tags include pasta, stuffed shells, spinach, ricotta, italian, and comfort food.
Is the Italian seasoning used in the sauce or the filling?
It is used to season the spinach and cheese filling mixture.