🍋 Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells with Lemon Zest
📖 Description
Tender jumbo pasta shells filled with creamy ricotta, vibrant spinach, and nutty Parmesan, finished with fresh lemon zest for a light, zesty lift. Baked in a rich marinara sauce and topped with melty cheese, this dish is comforting yet fresh—perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
For the Filling
- 1½ cups ricotta cheese (whole milk preferred)
- 1½ cups fresh spinach, finely chopped
(or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed & squeezed dry) - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 tsp lemon zest (freshly grated)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional but lovely)
For the Pasta & Sauce
- 20–22 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or quality store-bought)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For Garnish (Optional)
- Extra lemon zest
- Fresh basil or parsley
- Extra Parmesan cheese
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta
- Boil jumbo shells in salted water until just al dente.
- Drain and place on a tray to cool slightly.
2️⃣ Prepare the Filling
In a bowl, mix:
- Ricotta
- Spinach
- Parmesan
- Egg
- Lemon zest
- Garlic
- Salt, pepper, and nutmeg
Mix until creamy and well combined.
3️⃣ Assemble
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread 1 cup marinara sauce in a baking dish.
- Stuff each shell generously with ricotta mixture.
- Arrange shells seam-side up.
- Spoon remaining sauce over shells.
- Sprinkle mozzarella evenly on top.
4️⃣ Bake
- Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes.
- Uncover and bake 10–15 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
5️⃣ Serve
- Rest 5 minutes.
- Garnish with herbs, lemon zest, and Parmesan.
🌟 Tips for Best Results
- Squeeze spinach VERY well to avoid watery filling.
- Lemon zest should be finely grated—no white pith.
- For extra richness, add 2 tbsp cream to the filling.
- Want heat? Add a pinch of red chili flakes.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Garlic bread
- Simple arugula salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Lemon vinaigrette side salad🧮 Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approx.)
- Calories: 390
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
💚 Benefits
- High in calcium & protein
- Spinach adds iron and antioxidants
- Lemon zest aids digestion and adds freshness
- Vegetarian-friendly comfort food
❓ Q & A
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Q: Can I freeze stuffed shells?
A: Absolutely—freeze unbaked up to 2 months.
Q: Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
A: Yes, blend it smooth first for best texture.