Ingredients
Method
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly oil a 9×13-inch baking dish with one tablespoon of olive oil.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo shells according to package directions until al dente — slightly firm as they will finish cooking in the oven. Drain and lay shells open-side up on a parchment-lined tray so they do not stick.
- In a large bowl, combine ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Fold in the squeezed-dry spinach until evenly distributed. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Assembly
- Spread 1½ cups of marinara sauce across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over the sauce to prevent the shells from sticking.
- Spoon the ricotta-spinach mixture into each shell, filling generously but not overflowing, and arrange them seam-side up in the dish.
- Pour the remaining marinara over the stuffed shells, ensuring each shell has some sauce. Sprinkle the reserved 1/2 cup mozzarella over the top.
Baking
- Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 5–10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown slightly.
- Let the shells rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a richer filling, stir in a tablespoon of butter or a splash of cream. For a vegetarian but lighter twist, use part-skim ricotta and low-fat mozzarella.
