Garlic and Spinach Stuffed Pasta Shells – The Ultimate Comfort Dish

Looking for a satisfying, hearty dish that’s packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion? These Garlic and Spinach Stuffed Pasta Shells are just the answer! 🌱🧄 Filled with a delicious mixture of garlicky spinach, creamy ricotta, and a hint of Parmesan, these jumbo pasta shells are baked to golden perfection in marinara sauce. Trust me, this is a dish you won’t want to miss. 😍

Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner, a special gathering, or just a cozy night in, this recipe will impress everyone. Plus, it’s simple to make and full of vibrant flavors that will have you going back for seconds (or thirds)! 🤤

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️

✅ Perfect Balance of Flavor – Garlicky spinach, creamy ricotta, and tangy marinara create an unforgettable combination.
✅ Easy to Make – The preparation is simple and straightforward, even for beginner cooks!
✅ Great for Meal Prep – Make a big batch and have leftovers for lunch or dinner the next day.
✅ Vegetarian Delight – Packed with spinach, ricotta, and delicious seasonings, it’s a vegetarian-friendly option that even meat lovers will enjoy.
✅ Kid-Friendly – The cheesy filling and pasta are sure to win over picky eaters. 🍽️

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Key Ingredients & Substitutions 🛒

Here’s what you’ll need to make these garlic and spinach stuffed pasta shells:

For the Stuffed Shells:

• 20 jumbo pasta shells – The larger the shell, the better! They’ll hold the cheesy filling perfectly. 🍝
• 2 cups fresh spinach – For that rich, earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with garlic. 🌿
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – For sautéing the garlic and spinach. 🛢️
• 5 cloves garlic – Fresh garlic, minced, for that aromatic punch! 🧄
• 1 cup ricotta cheese – This creamy cheese adds richness to the filling. 🧀
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty, savory kick to the stuffing. 🧀
• 1 egg – Acts as a binder to hold everything together. 🥚
• Salt and pepper – For seasoning to taste. 🧂
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – For topping the stuffed shells before baking. 🧀

For the Marinara Sauce:

• 3 cups marinara sauce – Homemade or store-bought, but make sure it’s rich and flavorful. 🍅
• 1 tablespoon dried basil – Adds an herbaceous note to the sauce. 🌿
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – For a little heat! 🌶️

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Step-by-Step Instructions 👨‍🍳

Step 1: Cook the Jumbo Shells 🍝

1️⃣ Boil the Pasta Shells:
Begin by cooking the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions. You’ll want them al dente since they’ll bake later. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once done, drain and set aside to cool.
💡 Pro Tip: Drizzle a little olive oil on the cooked pasta to keep them from sticking together!

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic & Spinach Filling 🧄🌱

2️⃣ Sauté Garlic and Spinach:
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Then, add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted (about 3 minutes). Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
💡 Pro Tip: If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, feel free to add more garlic to the sauté!

3️⃣ Mix the Filling:
Once the spinach has wilted, transfer it to a cutting board and roughly chop it. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
💡 Pro Tip: You can substitute the ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter version.

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Step 3: Stuff the Pasta Shells 🧀🍝

4️⃣ Stuff the Shells:
Carefully stuff each cooked jumbo shell with the spinach and ricotta mixture. Don’t overstuff, as the filling may spill out during baking.
💡 Pro Tip: Use a spoon or your hands to gently pack the filling inside each shell.

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Step 4: Assemble the Dish 🍽️

5️⃣ Prepare the Baking Dish:
Spread 1/2 cup of marinara sauce at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer on top of the sauce. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells, ensuring each shell is generously coated.
💡 Pro Tip: You can add a sprinkle of dried basil to the sauce for extra flavor.

6️⃣ Top with Mozzarella:
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the stuffed shells for a gooey, cheesy topping.
💡 Pro Tip: For a golden, crispy top, broil the shells for the last 2–3 minutes of baking.

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Step 5: Bake to Perfection 🔥

7️⃣ Bake the Stuffed Shells:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.
💡 Pro Tip: If you want a crispier top, turn on the broiler for the last 2 minutes of cooking.

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Serving Suggestions 🍴

These Garlic and Spinach Stuffed Pasta Shells are a meal on their own, but here are some great serving ideas to elevate the dish:

• Serve with Garlic Bread – A classic pairing! The crispy, buttery bread is perfect for sopping up the delicious marinara sauce. 🍞🧄
• Pair with a Fresh Salad – A light, refreshing salad with greens, tomatoes, and balsamic vinaigrette will balance the richness of the pasta. 🥗
• Add Roasted Vegetables – Roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli would make a great side dish. 🌽🍆
• Top with Fresh Basil – Garnish the stuffed shells with fresh basil leaves for added flavor and color. 🌿

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Storage & Reheating 📦🔥

Storing Leftovers:

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the stuffed shells for up to 2 months! Just make sure to cover them tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.

Reheating Instructions:

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place the stuffed shells on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals until hot.
  💡 Pro Tip: For the best results, reheat in the oven to keep the cheese crispy and melty!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) ❓

1️⃣ Can I Make These Stuffed Shells Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can assemble the stuffed shells and refrigerate them for up to 1 day before baking. Just bake them when you’re ready to serve. For freezing, follow the storage instructions above.

2️⃣ Can I Use Frozen Spinach?

Absolutely! Frozen spinach works well in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw and squeeze out the excess water before using it in the filling.

3️⃣ Can I Make This Dish Without Cheese?

You can make a dairy-free version by substituting the cheese with vegan cheese or leaving it out altogether. For a dairy-free option, you can also use tofu instead of ricotta.

4️⃣ Can I Use Different Pasta?

Yes, feel free to use any other pasta shape that holds sauce and stuffing, such as manicotti or even penne.

5️⃣ Can I Add Meat to the Filling?

Yes! If you’d like to add some protein, ground turkey, chicken, or sausage would be great options. Just cook the meat beforehand and mix it into the filling.

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Conclusion – A Comfort Food Classic 🍽️💕

These Garlic and Spinach Stuffed Pasta Shells are the ultimate comfort food, combining rich, savory flavors with a creamy filling and a cheesy, bubbly topping. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or making a cozy dinner for yourself, this dish is sure to please!

With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a meal that feels indulgent without the hassle. Try it today and enjoy every bite of this cheesy, garlicky goodness! 😋