Spoon the sauce into the bottom of a skillet or oven-safe baking dish Recipe

If you are dreaming of a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you have to try this easy stuffed pasta shells recipe. The creamy mascarpone blended with vibrant red pepper sauce and fresh wilted spinach fills each shell with incredible flavor and texture. The magic really comes alive when you spoon the sauce into the bottom of a skillet or oven-safe baking dish before nestling the filled shells on top and baking until bubbly and golden. Trust me, this dish is the perfect balance of comforting and fresh, and it comes together faster than you’d expect for a homemade Italian-inspired dinner you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple, wholesome, and work together beautifully to create a dish full of layers—creamy filling, savory sauce, and melty cheese topping that’s just irresistible.

• 20 large pasta shells: The perfect size to hold the delicious filling without overstuffing or breaking.
• 250 g (1 cup) mascarpone: Ultra creamy and indulgent, it makes the filling luxuriously smooth.
• 85 g (⅓ cup) red pepper sauce: Adds a sweet, tangy kick to the filling, elevating every bite.
• 300 g (4 cups) spinach, wilted: Fresh spinach for a lovely pop of green and a boost of nutrients.
• 1 onion, diced: Provides a gentle sweetness and depth to the tomato sauce.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with the herbs.
• 1 tsp dried thyme: Offers a subtle earthy note to the sauce.
• 1 tsp dried oregano: Brings classic Italian herbal fragrance to the mix.
• 1 tsp dried rosemary: Adds a piney, savory touch that complements the tomato base.
• 500 g (2 cups) tomato passata: The hearty foundation of the sauce, thick and rich.
• 200 ml (1 cup) vegetable stock: Made from a stock cube to deepen the sauce’s savory profile.
• 175 g (1 ½ cups) shredded mozzarella: Melts into a gooey, golden topping that ties it all together.

How to Make Spoon the sauce into the bottom of a skillet or oven-safe baking dish

Step 1: Preheat your oven and prepare the pasta shells

Start by preheating your oven to 180ºC (350ºF). This step ensures your kitchen is ready to bring everything together beautifully once you finish assembling. Cook the pasta shells following the package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside to cool. Cooling helps prevent tearing when you stuff them later.

Step 2: Wilt the spinach just right

In a pan, bring about 100 ml of water to a boil. Remove it from heat and add the fresh spinach, letting it wilt gently for about a minute. This quick method preserves flavor and color without overcooking. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to lift the spinach out, then squeeze out any excess water with a paper towel—this keeps your filling creamy, not watery.

Step 3: Make the luscious filling

Combine the mascarpone, red pepper sauce, and cooled, wilted spinach in a bowl. Mixing these ingredients now means every bite inside the shells will be bursting with balanced creaminess and a touch of sweetness and color. Once your shells are cool enough to handle, carefully stuff each one with this heavenly filling.

Step 4: Simmer the flavorful tomato sauce

Sweat the onion and garlic in a splash of olive oil over medium heat until soft and translucent; this step unlocks sweetness and aroma. Then, stir in the dried herbs—thyme, oregano, and rosemary—to infuse warm, woody flavors. Add the tomato passata and vegetable stock, and let the sauce simmer gently for about 10 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly and meld together.

Step 5: Assemble and bake beautifully

Here is where the phrase you’ll want to remember comes to life: Spoon the sauce into the bottom of a skillet or oven-safe baking dish. This step ensures the shells have a delicious base to nestle in, preventing sticking and soaking up that flavorful sauce. Arrange the stuffed shells snugly on top, then sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 15 minutes until the cheese melts and turns a gorgeous golden color. Use a spoon to serve, making sure to scoop up some of that saucy goodness each time.

How to Serve Spoon the sauce into the bottom of a skillet or oven-safe baking dish

Garnishes

Adding fresh garnishes elevates this dish from amazing to show-stopping. A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or a few thyme leaves not only looks beautiful but adds bright herbal notes, cutting through the richness. For an extra touch, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a few flakes of crushed red pepper bring contrast and depth.

Side Dishes

This meal is quite hearty on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon or balsamic is a wonderful counterpoint. Garlic bread or toasted baguette slices make excellent vehicles for mopping up any leftover sauce, turning every bite into liquid gold.

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve the stuffed shells family-style right from the skillet or dish you baked them in—this creates a casual, inviting vibe. Alternatively, plate individual servings with a drizzle of extra sauce artistically laid on the plate, and add a sprig of fresh herbs on top for a restaurant-worthy presentation that’s sure to impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This dish keeps its charm even as leftovers. Store any uneaten stuffed shells in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld, making it just as delightful the next day.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked dish. After assembling and spooning the sauce into the bottom of a skillet or oven-safe baking dish, cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, bake straight from frozen by adding extra time to the baking process.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or oven to keep the pasta shells tender and prevent drying out. Covering loosely with foil in the oven helps maintain moisture, while microwaving works well for smaller portions. Remember to include some of the sauce during reheating to retain that luscious texture.

FAQs

Can I use ricotta instead of mascarpone?

Absolutely! Ricotta is a classic choice for stuffed shells and makes a great substitute if mascarpone isn’t available. It’s less rich but still creamy and delicious, making it a lighter alternative.

Is it necessary to wilt the spinach before mixing it into the filling?

Yes, wilting the spinach removes excess water and softens the leaves, preventing your filling from becoming soggy. It also concentrates the spinach flavor, so this step adds both texture and taste benefits.

What is the purpose of spooning the sauce into the bottom of the baking dish?

This step creates a flavorful base that prevents the shells from sticking and ensures they absorb the sauce as they bake. It guarantees every bite is moist and infused with tomato-herb goodness, making a big difference in the final dish.

Can I prepare parts of the dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sauce and filling the day before to save time. Keep them refrigerated until you are ready to assemble and bake. This makes busy weeknights much easier without compromising flavor.

How can I tell when the stuffed shells are perfectly cooked?

Look for bubbling sauce around the edges and melted, golden cheese on top. The shells should be tender but not mushy. If you follow the baking time closely, it should come out just right every time.

Final Thoughts

This easy and healthy vegetarian stuffed pasta shells recipe is one of those comforting meals that never fails to bring smiles around the dinner table. The moment you spoon the sauce into the bottom of a skillet or oven-safe baking dish and nestle those creamy, spinach-filled shells in, you’re setting yourself up for a deliciously satisfying experience. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, give this recipe a try—you’ll love how effortlessly it comes together and how downright tasty it is!