Hello, lovely readers! Today, I’m thrilled to take you on a delightful culinary journey to Italy with a dish that promises to satisfy both your taste buds and your soul—Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells with a Sumptuous Tomato Basil Sauce.
If you’ve ever dreamed of a rustic Italian countryside dinner, this dish is your ticket there without leaving your kitchen. As the autumn air becomes crisper here in the UK, I find myself yearning for comforting meals that are both wholesome and flavorsome. This recipe ticks all the boxes and brings a piece of Italy to our table.
The star of our dish, jumbo pasta shells, eagerly await their stuffing. Each shell is like a little treasure chest, and when they’re filled with the creamy combination of ricotta cheese and fresh spinach, they become simply irresistible. The addition of Parmesan adds that touch of salty savoriness we all adore, and the binding egg keeps our filling wonderfully smooth.
Our supporting cast—a robust tomato basil sauce that’s straightforward yet luxurious—is simmered with onions, garlic, and dried oregano to allow the vibrant flavor to develop. Adding fresh basil leaves at the end brings an aromatic freshness that elevates this dish to a new level. It’s hearty, tangy, and bright, perfectly complementing the creamy interiors of the shells.
The magic culminates in the baking process, a time when your kitchen will fill with the mouth-watering aromas of melted mozzarella and baked pasta. You’ll find yourself drawn to the oven, peeking in anticipation as the cheese starts to bubble and turn golden brown.
For me, cooking is as much about the journey as it is about the destination. From chopping fresh spinach to gently sautéing onions and garlic, these simple acts become meditative as the promise of a delicious meal draws near.
Give this recipe a try, and perhaps you’ll find it as fulfilling to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re enjoying it with family, preparing it for friends, or savoring a quiet dinner for two, it brings warmth and joy to any setting. As always, I’d love to hear about your own experience with this dish and any personal twists you incorporate into this Italian classic.
Buon appetito! Happy cooking, and more importantly, happy eating!
Ingredients
– 1 pack (250g) jumbo pasta shells
– 500g ricotta cheese
– 300g fresh spinach, chopped
– 1 egg
– 100g grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 800g canned crushed tomatoes
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– 10 fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 200g mozzarella cheese, shredded
Method
1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Cook the jumbo pasta shells in a large pot of salted boiling water for 10-12 minutes, or until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, egg, 50g of the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined and set aside.
4. In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
5. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, and sugar. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the freshly chopped basil leaves and remove from heat.
6. Spread half of the tomato basil sauce evenly at the bottom of a large baking dish.
7. Stuff each pasta shell with about a tablespoon of the spinach and ricotta mixture and place them in the baking dish, open side up.
8. Pour the remaining tomato basil sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are well covered.
9. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, followed by the remaining 50g of grated Parmesan cheese.
10. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
11. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
12. Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious Italian escapade!
