Try out our Veggie Loaded Stuffed Shells recipe today! This dish features jumbo pasta shells stuffed with a savory blend of ricotta, spinach, fresh vegetables, and herbs.

Prep Time 15 Min | Cook Time 25 Min | Serves 6

Ingredients

  • 12 oz jumbo pasta shells
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 tsp garlic paste
  • 3 carrots, grated
  • 1 zucchini, grated
  • 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 25 oz marinara pasta sauce
  • 2 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper

Directions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F and bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo shells and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside on a baking sheet or clean surface.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the grated carrots and zucchini and continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables become tender. Add the thawed spinach and cook for another minute until heated through. Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.
  • Transfer the vegetable mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, half of the parmesan cheese, chopped basil, and season with salt and pepper. Stir everything together until the filling is evenly combined and creamy.
  • Spread an even layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of a baking dish. Carefully spoon the vegetable filling into each cooked shell, filling them generously, then arrange the shells in a single layer. Spoon any remaining filling into open spaces if desired. Sprinkle the tops with the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
  • Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted. Garnish with additional fresh basil before serving warm.
  • Enjoy!

Don’t feel like cooking? Mario’s is not just a meat market. We have an extensive deli and hot bar menu, and breakfast food items, as well! Choose from delicious, hand-made Italian deli specialties that are sure to delight your taste buds, making you come back again and again. Browse Mario’s Italian deli menu here!