Description
These Stuffed Shells are the ultimate comfort food with a healthy twist—jumbo pasta shells packed with a creamy mix of ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, and fresh sautéed spinach, baked in a rich marinara sauce until bubbling and golden. Perfect for cozy nights, entertaining guests, or meal prepping. Whether you’re looking for healthy recipes, recipes for dinner, or simple high protein meals, this dish hits the spot. It’s one of those recipes to try that’s both satisfying and wholesome. Pair it with a salad or garlic dinner rolls for a full Italian feast.
Ingredients
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20 jumbo pasta shells (conchiglioni), cooked to al dente
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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6 oz fresh spinach
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1 egg
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15 oz ricotta cheese (whole or skim)
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2/3 cup low-moisture mozzarella cheese, freshly grated
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2/3 cup parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
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2/3 cup toasted salted pine nuts, divided
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Zest of 1 lemon
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Juice of 1/2 lemon
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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2 cups marinara sauce (Rao’s or Mezzetta recommended)
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Fresh basil, finely chopped, for garnish
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the jumbo pasta shells slightly under al dente according to package instructions.
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In a medium cast iron skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic and spinach with a pinch of salt and pepper until wilted. Chop if needed and press out moisture.
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In a large bowl, mix spinach and garlic with egg, ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, ½ cup pine nuts, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
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Spread marinara sauce in the same skillet or a baking dish. Stuff each shell with about 2 tablespoons of the filling and place into the sauce.
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Cover with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly. Remove foil and bake another 5 minutes.
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Garnish with extra parmesan, remaining pine nuts, and fresh basil before serving.
Notes
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Can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking.
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For extra protein, add ground beef or sausage to the marinara.
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Pine nuts add richness and texture—can be substituted with walnuts or omitted.
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Use a high-quality marinara for best results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 369 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 85mg