Ingredients:

• 12 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
• ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (or ½ cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven
   • Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Spinach
   • If using fresh spinach, wash and chop it finely.
   • If using frozen spinach, thaw and drain it well, squeezing out excess moisture.
3. Cook the Pasta Shells
   • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the jumbo pasta shells until al dente.
   • Drain and set aside.
4. Prepare the Filling
   • Heat olive oil over medium heat in a skillet.
   • Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
   • Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted (if using fresh) or heated through (if using frozen).
   • Season with salt and pepper.
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, nutmeg (if using), and the cooked spinach mixture.
   • Stir until well combined.
5. Assemble the Dish
   • Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of a baking dish.
   • Stuff each pasta shell with the cheese and spinach mixture, placing them seam side up in the dish.
   • Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells.
   • Sprinkle extra mozzarella cheese on top.
6. Bake
   • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
   • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
7. Serve
   • Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Notes:

• For an extra cheesy topping, sprinkle more mozzarella or provolone just before the last 10 minutes of baking.
• If you prefer a little spice, add red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture or sprinkle them on top before baking.
• This dish pairs wonderfully with garlic bread or a simple green salad.

Nutrition