Creating Easy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells is straightforward if you follow these steps:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook Pasta Shells: Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to prevent sticking.
3. Prepare Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, 1/2 cup mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
4. Stuff Shells: Spoon the ricotta and spinach mixture into each cooked pasta shell. Fill them generously and set aside.
5. Prepare Baking Dish: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce at the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
6. Arrange the Shells: Place stuffed shells in the baking dish on top of the marinara sauce, opening side up. Drizzle remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells.
7. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the shells.
8. Cover with Foil: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the tops from burning.
9. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
10. Garnish: Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Now that we’ve walked through the prep, it’s time to dish these amazing stuffed shells!