Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells Frozen Spinach Recipes Made Easy

By Amara Vitalis August 4, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever find yourself staring at a bag of frozen spinach ? Honestly, I used to wonder what on earth to do with it! This Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells recipe is your answer.

It's packed with flavour and surprisingly easy to make.

Brief Overview

Baked pasta recipes are the ultimate comfort food spinach . This dish, inspired by Frozen spinach recipes Italian , brings a touch of Italy to your table.

It's easy, taking about an hour from start to finish. It makes 6 servings, perfect for a family dinner recipes using fresh spinach or a potluck.

Main Benefits

Spinach is a nutritional powerhouse. Think iron, vitamins, the works! This stuffed shells recipe easy is a great way to sneak in those greens.

It's perfect for a weeknight meal and makes any evening feel a bit more special. What makes it special? It's Ideas for Spinach at its absolute best - a simple dish with a wow factor.

Let's dive into the ingredients!

Ingredients: Your Shopping List

The Filling: Spinach ricotta recipe Goodness

One 10-ounce (283g) package of frozen spinach , thawed and squeezed dry. Seriously, squeeze all the water out.
15 ounces (425g) ricotta cheese. I prefer whole milk.
Half a cup (50g) of grated Parmesan cheese. And yes, more for topping!
One large egg, lightly beaten.
A quarter teaspoon each of ground nutmeg and garlic powder.
A quarter teaspoon of salt and an eighth of a teaspoon of black pepper. Seasoning is key!

The Pasta and Sauce: The Backbone of the Dish

One 12-ounce (340g) box of jumbo pasta shells. These are your vessels of yum.
One 24-ounce (680g) jar of marinara sauce, or your favourite homemade tomato sauce. Main dishes with spinach deserve the best sauce.

Next up, we'll get to the fun part: actually making this deliciousness!

Alright, let's get down to the nitty gritty! You're gonna nail these Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells . First, let's gather our gear.

These are the main ingredients and trust me, using the right stuff makes a huge difference. Especially when trying to come up with new and exciting ideas for spinach , it's all about working with high-quality things to start with! This is my take on frozen spinach recipes Italian .

Ingredients & Equipment

Let's get ready. You'll need a big pot, colander, big bowl, 9x13 inch baking dish, and something to stir with. Don't stress if you don't have exactly what's on the list.

Main Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make this happen, plus a few cheeky notes.

Frozen Spinach: 1 ( 10 ounce / 283g ) package.
- Quality Indicator: Honestly, just make sure it looks green and not freezer burnt.
Ricotta Cheese: 15 ounces ( 425g ). Whole milk or part skim works.
- Quality Indicator: Look for a creamy texture. Not watery stuff!
Grated Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup ( 50g ), plus extra for topping.
Large Egg: 1 . Lightly beaten.
Ground Nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon
Garlic Powder: 1/4 teaspoon
Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
Black Pepper: 1/8 teaspoon
Jumbo Pasta Shells: 1 ( 12 ounce / 340g ) box
Marinara Sauce: 1 ( 24 ounce / 680g ) jar

Seasoning Notes

Seasoning is where the magic happens. Essential spice combinations will elevate your dish. For example, a little nutmeg with spinach and ricotta is chef's kiss .

Nutmeg + Garlic Powder: A classic combo that brings warmth.
Flavor Enhancer: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a kick.
Substitution: If you're out of garlic powder, use 1 clove of minced garlic.

For the Dinner Recipes Using Fresh Spinach substitute this by using fresh spinach!

Equipment Needed

Essential tools only are here to make your life easier. We're going for easy stuffed shells recipe easy that anyone can do! This also works for Baked pasta recipes .

Large Pot: To cook the pasta, obviously.
Colander: For draining the pasta.
Large Bowl: To mix the filling.
9x13 inch Baking Dish: This is essential for baking.
Mixing Spoon or Spatula: You can use a fork if you're desperate.

I had a disastrous attempt once using too small of a baking dish, trust me, you want that 9x13 inch one!

So there you have it! The ingredients and equipment for comfort food spinach . I hope this helps, get ready to make some magic in the kitchen!

Cooking Method: Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into comfort food spinach territory. We're making Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells.

Yeah, that’s right, it's a baked pasta recipe. Think of it as a fancy lasagne. But honestly? It's way easier.

Plus, it's a great way to sneak in those greens! And trust me, everyone loves a good stuffed shells recipe easy .

So, get ready to transform that bag of frozen spinach into something truly magical! I saw this recipe on BBC good food and thought: "I can simplify that!"

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row

First things first, let’s get organised. Thaw that frozen spinach completely. Seriously, how to use frozen spinach ? Squeeze the living daylights out of it.

Get rid of all that water. Nobody wants a soggy filling. Get the ricotta and spinach ricotta recipe at the ready, plus the Parmesan , egg, and spices.

It's all about having your mise en place sorted, it makes things so much easier. Dinner recipes using fresh spinach and a quick check of your oven to make sure it's clean, is also a must.

Safety moment: Mind the hot oven later!

Stuffing Shells: The Easy Peasy Process

Get those jumbo pasta shells going! Cook them until al dente. That's firm to the bite. Drain 'em well.
Squeeze out that spinach again. Seriously, one last time.
Mix the squeezed spinach, ricotta, Parmesan, egg, nutmeg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce (your favourite) in a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the spinach mixture. Place them seam side up in the dish.
Pour the rest of that lovely sauce on top. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan.
Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 30- 35 minutes , until bubbly and golden.
Let it rest for 5- 10 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips and Ideas For Spinach

Squeeze, squeeze, squeeze! I know I keep saying it, but seriously it's so important. Don't overcook the pasta - al dente is key to baked pasta recipes .

Try warming the sauce first. This helps everything cook evenly. One of the common mistakes is using watery spinach! If you want to cheat, you can use a piping bag, making it much easier to get the filling into the shells.

If you have some frozen spinach recipes Italian to add, you'll notice how easy this is.

This main dishes with spinach is a winner. It's easy to whip up on a weeknight, and it always gets rave reviews.

Why not serve with garlic bread? You can't go wrong! Looking for inspiration in Spinach side recipes ? Try a simple green salad on the side to cut through the richness.

Recipe Notes: Nailing Your Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Alright, so you’re about to dive into making these awesome Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells . Honestly, it's easier than fitting into those jeans after Christmas dinner! But just to make sure you nail it, here are a few little pointers.

Think of it as your cheat sheet to comfort food spinach success.

Serving Suggestions: Making it Look Instagrammable

Let's be real, we all eat with our eyes first! For plating, I reckon a nice big dollop of the stuffed shells, topped with a sprig of basil if you're feeling fancy.

A simple green salad on the side works wonders. And to drink? A crisp white wine, or even a sparkling elderflower cordial.

You know, something that feels a bit special. This is one of my favourite ideas for spinach .

Storage Tips: Saving Some for Later

Okay, so you've made a massive batch (because why not?). Leftovers are your best mate here.

Fridge time: Pop any leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container. They'll happily sit in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing it: You can definitely freeze these bad boys! Let them cool completely, then freeze them in a freezer safe container. They will last for about 2 months.
Reheating: When reheating, either microwave until piping hot or, even better, bake them in the oven until the sauce is bubbly again. I usually heat it at 350° F ( 175° C) for about 20 minutes . Safety warning : make sure is piping hot.

Variations: Getting a Bit Adventurous With Your Stuffed Shells Recipe Easy.

Fancy mixing things up a bit?

Dietary adaptations : If you're cutting down on carbs, try using zucchini slices instead of pasta shells. It's a cool way to sneak in more veg. For a vegetarian version , ensure your marinara sauce doesn't contain meat products or anchovies.
Seasonal swap : In the autumn, swap out some of the frozen spinach recipes for roasted butternut squash. It gives a lovely sweetness to the filling. It adds a new dimension to this baked pasta recipes .

Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff Inside

Okay, I'm no nutritionist, but here's the lowdown. These stuffed shells are packed with protein from the ricotta and the egg.

The spinach is a fantastic source of iron and vitamins. Plus, it's a great way to get your greens in.

It's not just delicious; it's actually good for you! The benefits from incorporating spinach into recipes like dinner recipes using fresh spinach and how to use frozen spinach , is a great alternative for main dishes.

So there you have it. With these tips, you're all set to make the best ever frozen spinach recipes Italian .

Now go forth and get cooking! I hope this turns into one of your favourite spinach side recipes . You've totally got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

I only have fresh spinach, can I still use it in these frozen spinach recipes for stuffed shells?

Absolutely! You can substitute fresh spinach for frozen. You'll need about 1 pound (450g) of fresh spinach, and make sure to wash it thoroughly. Sauté it in a pan until wilted, then chop it finely and squeeze out as much excess water as you would with frozen spinach.

Remember, excess water is the enemy of a good filling!

How do I make sure my stuffed shells aren't watery? Soggy bottoms are the worst!

Watery stuffed shells are a common problem, but easily avoided! The key is to remove as much moisture as possible from the spinach after thawing. Squeeze it like you mean it using your hands or a clean tea towel.

Additionally, don't overcook the pasta shells initially, as they will release starch and moisture during baking.

Can I prepare these spinach & ricotta stuffed shells ahead of time? I'm a busy bee!

Good news, you can! Assemble the stuffed shells in the baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, simply remove the foil and bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time to ensure they're heated through.

Perfect for batch cooking, like a true domestic goddess!

What other variations can I try with these frozen spinach recipes? Fancy a bit of a twist on the classic!

Plenty of room for creativity here! For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ricotta mixture. Or, brown some Italian sausage or ground beef and mix it in for a meaty version. For a cheesier experience, add a layer of shredded mozzarella or provolone on top before baking.

And you could always try swapping out the marinara for a creamy béchamel sauce, just like mum used to make!

How long can I store leftover spinach and ricotta stuffed shells, and what's the best way to reheat them?

Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container. To reheat, you can microwave them for a quick and easy meal, but for the best results, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

This helps the cheese get bubbly and avoids a soggy texture, more like a freshly baked meal!