When it comes to entertaining, my Spinach and Ricotta Pasta Shells are a dish that is always popular. This is a great make ahead dish, ideal for entertaining or when you are after a tasty family meal!
My preference will always be for food which is simple to prepare but has lots of flavour.
I love to entertain, and I do believe that a very important part of successful entertaining is a relaxed host. The key to being a relaxed host?
It is simple; the food should largely be able to be prepared in advance. And of course, a dish that is “not complicated” is always going to be our preference!
When I have family or friends over, I definitely want to be enjoying their company, and not spending half the night in the kitchen.
I really feel that these days, dinner parties are more about sharing a casual meal with family and friends. I think you will find that people are just grateful to be cooked for (I know I am).
Therefore, there really is no need to stress. The meal doesn’t need to be complicated. If that means you prepare just a main course with a salad, that’s fine.
A relaxed host encourages a convivial evening, and after all, good friends and good conversation are why you host a dinner party.
I find that a pasta dish which can be prepared in advance is ideal.
Inspiration for this Recipe:
This recipe for Spinach and Ricotta Pasta Shells was given to me many years ago by my beautiful godmother, Lesley.
Most of my friends would have been served this meal on more than one occasion as it fits the required criteria of simple, tasty and prepare ahead. Clearly, I’m not constrained by never serving the same dish twice!
Although there are a few stages, none of them are difficult. My preference is to prepare the shells a day in advance, if possible. I think the flavours develop better this way.
It also means less last-minute pressure and provides the opportunity to get rid of the dirty dishes, leaving you with a clean kitchen bench and a dish which just requires heating.
Ingredients in my Spinach and Ricotta Pasta Shells:
Frozen Spinach:
A true favourite freezer staple! This is a great item to have on hand, especially when you haven’t had time to buy some fresh greens. Spinach is packed full of health-benefiting nutrients.
One of my favourite breakfasts is a poached egg on toast, with some spinach and tomato. I saute some frozen spinach with a little garlic and add some cubes of tomato.
Briefly cook it, season well and place on some toast. Top with a poached egg. Trust me, it is so good!
Ricotta:
I love the versatility of this ingredient. Perfect to use in both sweet and savoury recipes, this is an Italian whey cheese. It can be made from a variety of milks. However, the most common is cow’s milk ricotta.
The literal Italian translation of the word ricotta is “re-cooked”.
This is a creamy cheese and lends itself perfectly to stuffed pasta dishes. Being mild in flavour, it works so well with a variety of ingredients.
Large Pasta Shells:
We use large pasta shells or “Conchiglie” in this recipe. They are easy to fill and look beautiful.
If you are unable to find the shells, you could also use cannelloni tubes.
Nutmeg:
I absolutely love nutmeg. It is a warming, fragrant spice. I buy whole nutmeg and grind it fresh when needed. It is more fragrant and flavoursome than commercially ground nutmeg.
Parmesan Cheese:
For this recipe, I have used Italian Grana Padano. It is less expensive than Parmigiano Reggiano but has tremendous flavour.
I will always strongly encourage you to freshly grate your parmesan; the flavour is infinitely superior. Or, for convenience, buy a block of cheese and whiz it in your food processor.
You can store the ground Parmesan in an airtight container in the freezer.
Salt and Pepper:
In cooking, it is important to season as you go. Be sure to taste the sauce and taste the filling. The sauce and the filling for the pasta shells are both seasoned with sea salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper.
The difference between an ordinary dish and a great dish is often due to the lack of seasoning.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil:
An ingredient I use in so many of my recipes. I highly recommend Extra Virgin Olive Oil, for its beautiful flavour that works especially well in Italian dishes.
Canned Tomatoes:
You will also find cans of crushed tomatoes in my pantry. I could spend hours telling you of the wonderful ways in which to use them!
Some tomato sauces can be over complicated; a good quality can of crushed tomatoes, some good quality olive oil and some seasonings are all that you need for a delicious sauce.
Garlic:
Garlic is a staple ingredient in our household. It is an ingredient found in so many cuisines throughout the world.
Its small cloves provide an enormous flavour boost to many dishes, and it is essential in a good tomato sauce.
Onion:
We use brown onion in this recipe, also known as the yellow onion. Red onion will also work fine in this recipe.
Dried Basil:
Another classic ingredient used in Mediterranean cooking, basil is a hugely popular herb. In this recipe, we use dried basil. It has a concentrated flavour and provides depth to the tomato sauce.
You could, however, use fresh basil if you have some to hand. For the freshest flavour, be sure to add it toward the end of cooking the sauce.
Dried Oregano:
Oregano grows wild throughout the Mediterranean and is a staple ingredient.
I generally prefer to use fresh herbs. However, oregano is one instance when many cooks prefer the dried variety.
The flavour of dried oregano is more subtle than the fresh and works perfectly in the tomato sauce. It is a herb I highly recommend keeping in your kitchen cupboard – you’ll find many uses for it!
Dried Chilli Flakes:
Dried chilli flakes or crushed red pepper flakes are an optional addition to the sauce; add some if you know your guests don’t mind a little heat in their food! Or, serve a dish at the table for family and friends to help themselves.
Sugar:
A little sugar is used in this recipe to balance out the acidity in the tomato sauce and provide a lovely well-rounded flavour. You can certainly omit this if you are avoiding sugar.
Cream:
I use pouring cream in this recipe. It provides balance and a delicious richness to the dish.
How I make the Spinach and Ricotta Pasta Shells:
I start by making a basic tomato sauce. Garlic and onion are sautéed together in a little olive oil, before adding crushed tomatoes. I season the sauce with dried herbs, salt and pepper.
If you like a little heat, now is the perfect time to add some dried chilli flakes to taste. A little sugar balances out the acidity of the tomatoes and gives the sauce a well-rounded taste.
In a pot of boiling water, I cook the shells. I like to undercook them slightly, as they will finish cooking later in the oven. So, I suggest that you cook them very al dente, that is, still slightly firm in the centre.
I drain the pasta shells, and then turn open side down on a tea towel, to allow any excess water to drain.
The next step is to prepare the filling for the shells. I cook the frozen spinach in a little butter. This will help get rid of any excess moisture. Allow this to cool, and then mix with the ricotta and parmesan.
Season with freshly grated nutmeg, salt and pepper to taste. Keep in mind that nutmeg is a very strong flavour, so add a little to begin with. You can always add more if needed.
Now, it is time to assemble the dish. In a large ovenproof dish, I put a little of the tomato sauce and some cream. Spread the mixture around the dish.
Generously fill the shells with the ricotta and spinach mixture, using either a spoon or a piping bag. Place the filled shells in the baking dish.
Once all the shells have been filled, top them with the remaining tomato sauce and cream and a little extra grated Parmesan cheese.
Then either put them in the oven to bake or refrigerate if you’re making them in advance.
That’s it; so easy and so delicious. Just serve the shells with a simple green salad and some garlic bread. Oh, a nice glass of wine goes well too!
Apart from tasting delicious, here are five reasons we love this recipe:
- Each element is simple to prepare;
- It can be made 24 hours in advance of baking;
- It is vegetarian – ideal for a Meatless Monday Meal;
- Can be adapted to gluten-free by using the appropriate pasta;
- Easily adjust the quantities – this is a recipe I have tested and made in both half and double batches.
Tips for success:
Be careful not to overcook your pasta shells when you are boiling them. We need them to be a little undercooked at this stage. It will also make them much easier to fill.
The shells do reheat well, but they are better freshly baked – so if you’re not sure how much will get eaten, make them up in two smaller dishes instead of one large.
Time-Saving Tips:
This is a lovely recipe to make when you have a little bit of time. However, I certainly appreciate there are several steps involved.
Here are some tips that will save you time:
Buy a good quality jar of tomato passata; ensure it has some flavourings, such as garlic or herbs if you are really looking to save time!
Try putting your ricotta filling into a piping bag to fill the shells
If you are able, you can make the various elements of this dish in advance. That way, when it comes time to assemble, you’re ready to go!
- Prepare your sauce;
- Cook your spinach;
- Mix your spinach and ricotta mixture;
- Par-boil your pasta shells and wrap in a tea towel so they don’t dry out.
Truthfully, this is a very forgiving recipe. I have made it the day before, and the flavours develop beautifully. I have also still been making it as I have had friends arriving for dinner.
It is always delicious, and there are never leftovers. (Keep that in mind – you can always make a larger batch!)
More delicious recipes using these ingredients:
Spinach:
I love both fresh and frozen spinach. I always have frozen spinach on hand; it is a delicious addition to pasta dishes, and great for a quick side dish, or even added to your morning green smoothie.
Fresh spinach is delicious as a salad green or when cooked. However, it cooks down a lot. Be prepared to cook much more than you think that you will need.
Cooked spinach is delicious with grilled meats or poultry. I like to add some garlic to cooked spinach and sometimes brighten the dish with a squeeze of lemon juice, added just prior to serving.
Spinach features in these recipes:
- Spinach and Feta Galettes
- Orange, Spinach and Pomegranate Salad
- Quinoa, Mandarin and Spinach Salad
- Spinach Pesto Pinwheels by Mrs Jones’s Kitchen
Ricotta:
I love ricotta cheese. I love an ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes.
Ricotta cheese is used in these recipes:
- Eggplant Involtini
- Pumpkin, Ricotta and Sage Pasta Shells
- Sweet Ricotta by Marcellina in Cucina
Dinner inspiration that you can prepare in advance:
I love a good make-ahead meal. It takes the pressure off you at the end of the day, whether you’re feeding a hungry family or entertaining friends. All you need to do is make a fresh green salad, heat up your main meal and serve!
Here are some more great ideas for dishes that can be made in advance:
- Gnocchi alla Romana (Semolina Gnocchi)
- Mediterranean Beef Stew
- Cheese and Herb Filo Pie
- Piedmontese Roasted Peppers
I hope you will love these Spinach and Ricotta Pasta Shells as much as we do. This is a recipe which is close to our heart. I look forward to hearing in the comments below when you have tried the pasta shells.
Alex xx
This post was originally published in August 2018. It has been updated with new photos and more information. The recipe remains the same.
Spinach and Ricotta Pasta Shells
Please note:
For accuracy, when weights are provided, we recommend weighing your ingredients. This will produce the best results. All oven temperatures listed are for fan forced.
Ingredients
- 26 large pasta shells See Note 1
Tomato Sauce
- 3 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil See Note 2
- 1 medium brown/yellow onion – finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic – finely chopped
- 800 gm (28 ounces) diced tinned tomatoes (2 x 400gm tins)
- 2 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- salt and pepper to taste
- chilli flakes (optional)
Filling
- 1 tablespoon butter See Note 2
- 250 gm (9 ounces) frozen spinach – thawed
- 500 gm (17 ½ ounces) ricotta – full fat See Note 3
- ¾ cup Parmesan cheese – freshly grated See Note 4
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- salt and pepper to taste
To Assemble
- ¾ cup pouring cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese – freshly grated
Instructions
Tomato Sauce
- In a medium sized frying pan heat oil over medium heat. Add the onion, lower the heat and cook gently, about 7 minutes. Stir the onion a few times, it should soften but not colour.
- Add the garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, about 2 minutes.
- Add the tomatoes – I always rinse the can out with a little water and add that also.
- Add the sugar, dried herbs and some salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Bring to a simmer and cook gently, stirring occasionally for 20-30 minutes. Check the seasoning and set the sauce aside.
Pasta Shells
- Bring a large pan of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta shells and stir well. I cook them for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, but times differ between brands. When I use gluten free shells they take about 5 minutes. Don’t be guided by the cooking time on the packet; the shells must be slightly under cooked as they will finish cooking when heated in the oven.
- Drain the shells well and spread them out, concave side down, on a clean tea towel to prevent them cooking further and ensure all water drains off.
Filling
- To defrost the spinach, I remove it from its packet and empty it into a bowl. When defrosted, the spinach will have released some water. Hold the spinach in place and tip off the excess liquid that has accumulated in the bowl.
- Melt the butter in a medium size frying pan and add the thawed spinach. Gently heat the spinach in the butter and stir occasionally to rid it of excess moisture.
- Allow the spinach to cool, then add it to a medium size bowl. Add the ricotta and ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese and mix the ingredients well to combine. Season with grated nutmeg, sea salt and freshly grated black pepper. Check that the seasoning is to your taste.
Assembling the Shells
- Preheat oven to 180 Degrees C (350 F).
- In a large ovenproof dish, I put a little of the tomato sauce and about two tablespoons of cream. Spread the mixture around the dish.
- Generously fill the shells with the ricotta and spinach mixture, using either a spoon or a piping bag. Place the filled shells in the baking dish.
- Dollop the sauce on and around the shells and smooth a little with the back of a spoon.
- Drizzle the remaining cream on top and sprinkle with parmesan.
- To prevent the shells from burning, cover with foil for the first 30 minutes that they’re in the oven. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for the final 10 minutes. With the tip of a sharp knife, check that the pasta is completely cooked.
Video
Notes
- You will need to buy the appropriate pasta shells if you need this dish to be gluten-free.
- In Australia the tablespoon is 20 ml or 4 teaspoons. In many other countries the tablespoon is 15 ml or 3 teaspoons. You may have to adjust your measurements accordingly.
- I generally buy a tub of ricotta from the supermarket and gently turn it onto paper towel to absorb excess moisture. If you buy a wedge of ricotta from the deli section at the supermarket it has a drier consistency and you will not need to drain it.
- For the best flavour, use good quality Parmesan, freshly grated. I use Grana Padano, it has excellent flavour but is less expensive than Parmigiana Reggiano.
- Please note, the nutritional information is an estimate only.
Nutrition Estimate:
Nutritional Disclaimer:
The nutritional information is an estimate only, and is derived from online calculators. For accurate results, we recommend calculating the nutritional information based on the ingredients and brands you use.
David Bunt
Cannot say how much I loved this one. I am normally someone that likes some form of protein as the main. But this dish has so much delicious flavour, I just kept going back for more.
Worst thing I could say is that it was so good, I felt a little ill from eating too much. Definitely recommend.
Alexandra Cook
So happy to hear this, David 🙂
It is definitely a great meat free option. Thanks so much for your comment.
Alex xo
Patricia Baigent
Made this last night. Just beautiful. Need to know if I can freeze leftovers?
Alexandra
Thank you, Patricia!
Yes, you can freeze the leftovers –
Just make sure they’re sealed well in an airtight container to avoid freezer burn.
I recommend reheating them with a little extra sauce.
Kind regards, Alex
Patricia Baigent
Thank you
Dree
Can I make this two days in advance?
Alexandra
Hi Dree,
They’re best made a day in advance – otherwise, the pasta can go soft, and the fresh ricotta shouldn’t sit without being cooked for too long. You can freeze the uncooked shells though, and bake when you’re ready to serve. I would defrost the dish in the fridge, and then bake as per the recipe.
Hope that helps! Alex
Carole
How much fresh spinach would i need to use instead of frozen?
I woild welt it down first before i use it
Kind regards Carole
Alexandra
Hello Carole,
It will be about 3 cups of fresh spinach 🙂
Kind regards, Alex
Bek
I’ve made this dish 3 times now and it is always a hit!! I made a tray of shells and delivered them to my cousin who just had a new baby. They just need to pop it in the oven un-covered now to reheat it and finish it off.
Alexandra
Hello Bek, I am so pleased that you enjoy the Spinach and Ricotta Pasta Shells and appreciate that you let me know. What a great gift for someone with a new baby – I am sure they were delighted! 🙂
Joanna Miller
This was gorgeous. I made it SlimmingWorld friendly by substituting Skyr yogurt for the cream element. It was delicious. Thank you for posting such a great recipe.
Alexandra
Hi Joanna!
Thank you so much for letting me know. I am so pleased to hear you enjoyed the pasta shells.
Kind regards, Alex
Yolanda
I made this last night and it was a hit with my picky eaters! Such a cozy meal and we have lots of leftovers. 🙂
Alexandra
I am so happy to hear that, Yolanda! Thank you so much for letting us know. Love the leftovers! Yum!
Yolanda
Hey Alex! I made this again tonight!! The fam loved it again. xo
Alexandra
Yay! This makes me very happy xo
Jamie
I made these for a potluck and it was a huge hit! Everyone was so impressed and several people asked for the recipe! I’ve been asked to make this again. Thank you so much!
Alexandra
Jamie, they are perfect for a potluck; I am so pleased to hear that everyone enjoyed them. 🙂
Christie
Incredible and so delicious Alexandra! The epitome of comfort food.
Alexandra
It is comfort food at its best Christie. Just what we need.
Dana
Absolutely delicious! All the flavours worked together so nicely and the nutmeg was the perfect addition to the filling! I can’t wait to try Alexandra’s other stuffed shell recipe with pumpkin, ricotta and sage!
Alexandra
I am delighted that you enjoyed these pasta shells, thank you for letting me know. I look forward to hearing how you enjoy the pumpkin shells.
Sally
This dish looks incredible and I love that it can be made ahead of time. I always find Italian inspired food the best for sharing around the dinner table. Where do you get your large shells from, I haven’t seen them in the shops before? Thanks!
Alexandra
I’m delighted that you like the recipe Sally; it’s ideal for a shared meal. I have found that some supermarkets stock the large shells. Otherwise, I buy them from good Italian delis. If the shells are difficult to find, you can use the mixture to fill cannelloni tubes. I find it easiest to put the mixture in a piping bag and fill the cannelloni tubes this way. Please let me know if you try making them. 🙂
stephanie
Such a great dinner choice. My family loved it.
Alexandra
So happy to hear that, Stephanie!
Rebecca
We had friends over for dinner last night and I made these. They were a huge hit! So delicious!
Alexandra
I am delighted that you liked them Rebecca, thank you for letting me know. 🙂
Megan Kerry
Love how easy and delicious this one is!! It’s a total crowd pleaser!!
Alexandra
So glad you enjoyed them, Megan!
Phyllis
Question. What is pouring cream?
Alexandra
Hi Phyllis, what we call pouring cream in Australia is known as heavy cream in the USA. Hope that helps! 🙂
Eileen
Thank you for this delicious recipe! We all love pasta and I am always on the lookout for new pasta recipes to try. Lucky me, I chanced upon your blog. 🙂
Alexandra
Oh thank you so much for your kind words, Eileen! I really appreciate you stopping by 🙂
Kel
I had the absolute pleasure of having this dish cooked for me and it was simply amazing!
Alexandra
Kel, you are too kind. Thank you so much!