Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Pasta Shells recipe – rich and hearty pasta dish that’s easy to make! Jumbo pasta shells filled with creamy ricotta and spinach filling, topped with more cheese and baked on top of hearty red sauce.
This post is sponsored by Mirum Shopper.
Cheese and pasta is one of my favorite comfort food combos. We have it in our weekly menu rotation and if we ever get bored with it, all I need to do is jazz it up a little bit! Like stuff jumbo pasta shells with creamy ricotta and spinach filling and bake it all on a bed of hearty pasta sauce. YES! Thumbs up from the whole family!
Today I am partnering with RAGÚ to tell you about their newest line of Homestyle sauces because when it comes to quick, easy and delicious pasta dishes – a good red sauce is a must!
RAGÚ launched a new line of thick and hearty pasta sauces and I am obsessed! The line includes 4 flavors: Thick and Hearty Traditional, Thick and Hearty Roasted Garlic, Thick and Hearty Four Cheese and Thick and Hearty flavored with Meat. These sauces taste like rich, homemade sauces made with garden vegetables. So good! They do not contain any artificial colors, flavors or high-fructose corn syrup.
The new RAGÚ Homestyle sauces are available at Kroger stores (I got mine at Dillon’s). And because I am all about saving money, there is a COUPON available for you right now that will save you 55 cents when you buy any two RAGÚ Homestyle sauces! Yay! You can upload a coupon HERE or click the photo below.
I was trying to decide which sauce is my favorite but I can because the roasted garlic is crazy good just as is the traditional. They taste like a homemade pasta sauce that has been simmering for hours on my stove top. And they are thick! The sauce doesn’t pour from the jar. It’s so thick and hearty! I knew I wanted to make a dish that is also bold and hearty. Jumbo pasta shells stuffed with cheesy filling are perfect for it!
For this dish, all you need to do is spread the sauce on the bottom of your dish, arrange filled pasta shells, top with shredded cheese and bake. That’s it! After just 20 minutes you will have a hearty and filling meal your family will love!
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 jar RAGU Homestyle sauce (I used Thick and Hearty Traditional)
- 15 oz. whole-milk ricotta
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 ad 1/2 cup fresh spinach roughly chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 clove garlic minced or grated
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella for topping
- chopped Italian parsley for garnish
- Cook pasta shells according to instructions on the package. Drain, keep warm.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Spread pasta sauce on the bottom of 13" x 9" baking dish. Set aside.
- In a medium mixing bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, egg, garlic, seasoning, salt, pepper and chopped spinach.
- Fill each pasta shell with cheese filling and arrange in the sauce.
- Sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese over each shell.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the sauce is bubbling on the edges.
- Let sit for 10 minutes in room temperature before serving.
If you like this recipe and make it, snap a photo and share it on INSTAGRAM! Tag me @crunchycreamysweet so I can check it out!
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—–>>> GIVEAWAY!
For a chance to win $25 Kroger gift card from RAGÚ, leave a comment below answering this question:
Which sauce from the RAGÚ Homestyle line you want to try first and what dish will you make with it?
Winner will be chosen on June 22nd and notified via email.
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Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Mirum Shopper. All opinions, text and photos are 100% my own.
Megan Marlowe says
May 30, 2018 at 8:35 amI did a few posts with RAGU Homestyle Sauce and I was thoroughly impressed. The sauce is delicious and I keep a stock in my kitchen now. Thankfully, because I can make these stuffed shells which look amazing. I love spinach and ricotta together and this is the perfect week night meal!
Sues says
May 30, 2018 at 7:20 amI LOVE stuffed shells, but barely ever make them. This is just the tempting reminder I need… Give me ALL the ricotta cheese!
Carmy says
May 29, 2018 at 1:38 pmYou had me at that first cheesy shot! I love pasta and stuffing it with cheese just makes everything way better! We use the same Ragu sauce at home and it’s amazing – I bet it pairs perfectly with these stuffed shells. I’ll need this on my plate ASAP.
Sean@Diversivore says
May 29, 2018 at 10:20 amI’ve done stuffed shells before, but I’ve never thought to lay them on a bed of sauce like this. It’s a great idea, and a wonderful (but very doable) looking recipe! I’ll have to give it a try.
Leah says
May 28, 2018 at 1:56 pmThis pasta looks like the perfect weeknight meal. What a great mix of flavors and I always love spinach and pasta together anyway. What a delicious meal, and how easy. Thanks for the dinner inspiration.
Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says
May 28, 2018 at 11:14 pmThank you, Leah! I hope you love it!
Amanda says
May 28, 2018 at 7:06 amHello, gorgeous! Loving that cheese pull shot up top. Stuffed shells are such wonderful comfort food, but I always love the pretty presentation they make when entertaining as well. The hearty homestyle sauce must pair perfectly with them and it sounds like such a timesaver!
Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says
May 28, 2018 at 11:15 pmThank you so much, Amanda! I hope you will give it a try!
Tracy Koslicki says
May 27, 2018 at 11:08 pmYou’re so right, pasta and cheese can never get old. Ever. And the possibilities are endless. I saw these new Ragus in the store the other day and was curious. Now I definitely need to try them!
Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says
May 28, 2018 at 11:15 pmThat’s awesome! I hope you love them, Tracy!
Marisa Franca says
May 27, 2018 at 3:25 pmYou will always have a winner of a dish with pasta stuffed with cheese. Add a tangy sauce to eat, heat it up and your the best cook/chef in the world! It’s great having a good tasting sauce to rely on — you can come up with so many tasty dishes.
Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says
May 28, 2018 at 11:16 pmI agree! So easy and perfect for busy weeknights!
Brandi says
May 24, 2018 at 11:03 amI am a huge fan of stuffed shells. I absolutely love the ingredients that you have used. I can’t wait to make this recipe and try it with Ragu!
Kris says
May 24, 2018 at 7:57 amWow, oh wow does this look good. So cheesy and we love the addition of spinach. Great recipe and thanks for sharing. Can hardly wait to make this!
Gloria says
May 23, 2018 at 8:37 pmYou can NEVER go wrong with a GREAT pasta dish. This is crowd pleasing perfect. A great make ahead dish to take to the cottage. Leftovers would be great…in fact I would likely make a double batch to make sure I had some leftover.
Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says
May 23, 2018 at 10:29 pmYes! Definitely make a double batch and keep one for later or share with friends. This is always a huge hit!
Lisa says
May 22, 2018 at 10:19 amOh-Ma-Gawd! These stuffed shells look so amazing — and while I appreciate the energy that goes into making your own sauce, it’s good to know that Ragu is available when you just don’t have the time. The flavors sound enticing too, but I think I’m partial to the Roasted Garlic — that is right in my wheel house. I’d want extra sauce for serving too. Pinning to make this weekend!
Sarah says
May 21, 2018 at 5:57 pmWahoo- that sauce DOES look thick! Sometimes I like to do a homemade sauce, but other times (especially if the husband makes dinner) it’s so nice to have a high-quality, delicious option in a jar! I’ll look for this!
KayWo says
October 28, 2017 at 2:35 pmI is amazing
Had it last night for dinner
Lina says
May 30, 2017 at 12:44 pmThose shells look so yummy and gooey, but I just have one question. Do I cover the shells with foil when they are baking? I’m afraid they will get dry and hard.
Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says
June 1, 2017 at 10:41 amHi Lina! You can definitely do that. Let me know if you try this recipe and how you like it! Have a beautiful day! – Anna
Jeanette says
February 6, 2017 at 5:29 pmCan you use frozen spinach in place of the fresh?
Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says
February 7, 2017 at 12:07 amHi Jeanette! Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Thaw it and make sure to squeeze out as much water as possible. Hope this helps! Have a beautiful week! -Anna
MaryBeth says
December 19, 2016 at 1:14 pmI am considering making this for Christmas eve but was wondering if i can make this dish a day ahead and not bake until the following day? Would it be okay?
Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says
December 19, 2016 at 1:38 pmHi Mary Beth! Thank you for the question! I think it would be best to make the filling a day ahead and cook the pasta and assemble and bake the dish the day you serve it. I worry that the pasta will dry overnight since it is not completely covered with sauce. I hope this helps! Let me know if you make it! I am excited for you to try it. 😀 Happy Holidays! -Anna
Maria says
December 19, 2016 at 9:38 amI made this last night and everyone loved it. Some had seconds and some even went for thirds! This recipe is a keeper. It was so easy to make and I served it with chicken cutlets. Thanks for sharing.
Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says
December 19, 2016 at 1:39 pmHi Maria! Yay! That’s wonderful! I am so happy to know you and your family love this dish! Thank you so much for the comment. Happy Holidays! -Anna
Rachel says
December 15, 2016 at 11:40 pmI just made these for dinner and they were really good! There was definitely enough cheese filling for a whole box of jumbo shells, so I made the whole box and have lots of left overs. Also, I noticed that the longer the shells sat out (on my plate while I was eating them) , the harder they became. Why is that?
Meagan says
November 5, 2016 at 9:56 pmWhat purpose does the egg serve and would I be able to omit or substitute?
Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says
November 7, 2016 at 9:55 pmHi Meagan,
The egg binds the filling ingredients together and also makes the flavor richer. You can skip it no problem, it may make the filling less set together but it will still work and be delicious! I hope this helps! Let me know if you make this dish. I’d love your feedback! Have a beautiful week! -Anna
Beth says
October 8, 2016 at 9:14 amWhat meat would you serve with this? Looks like a great side dish!
Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says
October 8, 2016 at 11:27 pmHi Beth! Great question! Meatballs are the first that come to my mind. 😀 I think roasted chicken would be great too. Let me know if you make it! Have a beautiful day! -Anna
Beth says
December 30, 2016 at 7:00 pmI’ve made this several times now, and it’s become one of my grandson’s favorite meals. I brown and drain a pound of ground chuck and add it to the Ragu sauce beneath the shells. Served with a salad and garlic bread, it’s a great meal!
Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says
December 30, 2016 at 10:04 pmHi Beth! I absolutely LOVE that! I am so happy to know that you made this dish and your grandson loves it. THANK YOU so much for letting me know! Have a beautiful weekend! -Anna
Jamie says
June 23, 2016 at 4:52 pmThick and roasted garlic would be DELICIOUS with my baked ziti! Yum!
Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says
July 1, 2016 at 10:06 amI agree! So good! Thanks, Jamie!
Michelle says
June 23, 2016 at 1:23 pmThick and hearty roasted garlic yum
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust says
June 15, 2016 at 8:55 amI could live on cheesy pasta. This looks SO GOOD! Love that jarred sauce too!
Susan Christy says
June 14, 2016 at 9:34 pmI want to try the Roasted Garlic to make one of my favorite things – meatball sub casserole.
Leigh Anne Borders says
June 10, 2016 at 4:36 pmI would love to try all five of them! They look so good! If I was going to make one of their recipes I would go with the oven baked chicken Parmesan first. I would add the traditional thick and hearty sauce on top. laborders2000@yahoo.com
Andi @ The Weary Chef says
June 9, 2016 at 2:30 pmWhat a hearty dinner! Your pictures make me hungry!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
June 8, 2016 at 8:22 pmThis is the kind of dish I virtually never get tired of – yummy!
Becky Hardin | The Cookie Rookie says
June 8, 2016 at 6:43 pmThese shells look absolutely wonderful
Liz @ The Lemon Bowl says
June 8, 2016 at 4:36 pmAhhh that cheese shot!! Love it girl!
Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says
June 8, 2016 at 9:52 pmThank you, Liz!! 😀
Kim Beaulieu says
June 8, 2016 at 3:41 pmThis looks absolutely amazing Anna. I love Ragu sauce, we use it a lot. Especially for pizza, it rocks as pizza sauce. And it’s my daughter’s favourite for when I make pasta.
I love that you used a spinach and ricotta filling. Stuffed shells are so scrumptious. Wish I lived near you, I’d be banging on your door with a bowl and a fork in my hands.
I’m going to scope out our stores for the Garlic one. I’m such a sucker for garlic.
Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says
June 8, 2016 at 4:52 pmAbsolutely! It has that perfect thickness to go on pizza. Oh, and don’t forget the coupon! Thanks, Kim! 😀
Jessica - The Novice Chef says
June 8, 2016 at 12:53 pmLook at that cheese! YUM!!
Justine | Cooking and Beer says
June 8, 2016 at 12:12 pmStuffed shells are my one of my all time favorite comfort foods! Love the spinach in this version!
Amy @ Little Dairy on the Prairie says
June 8, 2016 at 11:52 amI love the addition of spinach it makes these shells so pretty!
Jessica @ Sprinkle Some Sugar says
June 8, 2016 at 11:11 amUgh, this looks SOOO good right now! Love anything spinach and artichoke!
Sues says
June 8, 2016 at 10:43 amThese look heavenly!! I never make stuffed shells and I’m not quite sure why. They look like the perfect dinner!
Medha says
June 8, 2016 at 9:58 amThese stuffed shells look amazing! Love the ricotta in there 🙂
Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says
June 8, 2016 at 10:48 amThank you, Medha!
Jocelyn @BruCrew Life says
June 8, 2016 at 9:55 amWe love stuffed shells in our house! That gooey cheese in the first picture totally has me wanting a batch for dinner tonight! Love that thick hearty sauce!!!
Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says
June 8, 2016 at 11:01 amYou can never go wrong with gooey cheese and good pasta sauce! Thanks, Jocelyn! 😀