This Vegetarian Skillet Stuffed Shells recipe is a delightful twist on a classic comfort food, made even easier by preparing everything in one skillet. The combination of tender pasta shells filled with a rich ricotta and spinach mixture, all simmered in a zesty marinara sauce, makes for a satisfying and hearty meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this dish is not only delicious but also packs in plenty of nutrients. The best part? It comes together in under an hour, with minimal cleanup required!
Ingredients:
- 20-25 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, chopped spinach, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Stuff the shells: Gently stuff each cooked pasta shell with about 1-2 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture. Set aside.
- Cook in the skillet: In a large, oven-safe skillet, pour half of the marinara sauce and spread it evenly. Arrange the stuffed shells on top of the sauce in a single layer. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells, ensuring they are well-coated. Add 1/2 cup of water around the edges of the skillet to prevent the sauce from drying out.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top of the shells. Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Brown the cheese: After 20 minutes, remove the cover and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and enjoy!
This dish is perfect for serving with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad. Enjoy the comforting flavors of this easy, one-skillet meal that’s sure to become a family favorite!
