Stuffed shells are comfort food at its finest, and these Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Shells are no exception. Jumbo pasta shells are packed with a creamy ricotta and spinach filling, smothered in marinara sauce, and baked until bubbling and golden. It’s a dish that feels cozy and indulgent without being heavy, and it turns a weeknight dinner into something a little more special.

Whether you’re cooking for family, entertaining friends, or meal prepping for the week ahead, these stuffed shells are versatile, satisfying, and easy to love. They also make a great vegetarian main that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. Serve them with a crisp salad and some warm garlic bread, and you have a meal that’s ready to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Shells

This dish brings together creamy cheese, tender spinach, and pasta in the most comforting way. The filling is rich but balanced by the brightness of marinara, and the baked cheese on top adds a touch of irresistible golden crispiness. It’s make-ahead friendly, freezer-friendly, and perfect for feeding a crowd or keeping leftovers for later.

What Kind of Pasta Shells Should I Use?

You’ll want to use jumbo pasta shells, which are large enough to hold a generous spoonful of filling. They’re sometimes labeled as “conchiglioni” at the store. Be careful not to overcook them before stuffing—you want them tender but firm enough to hold their shape during baking.

Ingredients for the Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Shells

The magic of this recipe comes from a handful of well-chosen ingredients that each play a flavorful role. Here’s what you’ll need to bring it all together:

Jumbo pasta shells: These act as little boats for the rich filling. Be sure to cook them al dente so they don’t fall apart when stuffing.
Ricotta cheese: The base of the creamy filling. It provides a mild, rich texture that pairs beautifully with spinach.
Mozzarella cheese: Adds that gooey, melty topping we all crave in baked pasta dishes.
Parmesan cheese: Offers a salty, nutty punch to balance out the other cheeses.
Frozen spinach: Convenient and easy to work with. Just be sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture.
Egg: Helps bind the filling together.
Garlic: Brings aromatic depth to the cheese mixture.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning.
Marinara sauce: Choose a good-quality jarred sauce or make your own for the best flavor.
Fresh basil or parsley: Optional, but it adds a nice herbal finish when serving.

How To Make the Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the jumbo shells just until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking. Set aside on a towel so they don’t stick together.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a large bowl, mix together the ricotta, thawed and well-drained spinach, half the mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Step 3: Fill the Shells

Using a spoon or a piping bag, stuff each shell generously with the cheese and spinach filling.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

Spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer over the sauce. Spoon the remaining marinara over the top and sprinkle with the rest of the mozzarella and a bit more Parmesan.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly

Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F for about 25 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden. Garnish with fresh herbs if you like.

How to Serve and Store Your Stuffed Shells

These Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Shells are best served hot right out of the oven. They feed around 6 people generously, making them a great choice for a family meal or dinner party. If you have leftovers, they store beautifully. Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them before or after baking—just be sure to use a freezer-safe container and add a bit of extra sauce to prevent drying out when reheating.

What to Serve With Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Shells?

Garlic Bread

Crispy, buttery garlic bread is the perfect sidekick to mop up that delicious marinara sauce.

Caesar Salad

A crisp Caesar with crunchy croutons and creamy dressing balances the richness of the pasta.

Roasted Vegetables

Oven-roasted broccoli, zucchini, or carrots add color and nutrition to your plate.

Antipasto Platter

Set the stage with cured meats, olives, and marinated veggies for an Italian-inspired spread.

Caprese Salad

Fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offers a refreshing contrast.

Italian Wedding Soup

This cozy soup makes a warm and savory addition to a shell-stuffed dinner.

Red Wine

A glass of Chianti or a bold red blend pairs beautifully with the cheesy, tomato-rich flavors.

Lemon-Infused Sparkling Water

For a non-alcoholic option, try a fizzy drink with citrus notes to cut through the richness.

Want More Pasta Bake Ideas?

If hearty, cheesy baked dishes are your comfort zone, here are a few more favorites to dive into:

Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe for a rich and meaty twist.
Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta when you need something quick and cozy.
Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce that layers flavor and texture.
Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta if you’re craving Alfredo instead of marinara.
Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce for bold, savory indulgence.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can find it whenever the craving strikes.

And let me know in the comments how your stuffed shells turned out. Did you add mushrooms or switch up the cheeses? Maybe you tucked in some chili flakes for heat? I’d love to hear how you made them your own.

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