Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Shells

 

Ingredients

16 jumbo pasta shells

Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling

5 ounces fresh spinach

2 cups ricotta cheese, 16 ounces

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for sprinkling

2 garlic cloves, grated

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon lemon zest

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

¾ teaspoon sea salt, plus more for the pasta water

Freshly ground black pepper

2 cups Marinara Sauce

Directions

Preheat the oven to 425°F.

Place the spinach in a steamer basket and set it over a pot with 1 inch of water. Bring the water to a simmer, cover, and let steam for 1 minute, until the spinach is wilted. Transfer to a strainer and squeeze out the excess water and chop the spinach.

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta shells for 10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and drizzle with a little olive oil to keep them from sticking together.

In a medium bowl, combine the spinach with the ricotta, pecorino, garlic, oregano, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, salt, and several grinds of pepper.

Spread the marinara in the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish. Stuff each shell with the filling and place in the dish. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Serve with more marinara on the side.