Recipes with Spinach Vegetarian: Easy & Delicious Ideas

Spinach is a true superstar in the world of vegetarian cooking. Its vibrant green leaves are not only packed with nutrients but also add a fresh, earthy flavor and beautiful color to any dish.

Whether you’re a long-time vegetarian or just looking to add more plant-based meals to your routine, spinach is endlessly versatile. From creamy pastas and hearty stews to savory pies and stir-fries, this leafy green can do it all.

In today’s post, I’m sharing one of my favorite spinach vegetarian recipes: Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells. This classic Italian-inspired dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or meal prepping for the week ahead.

It’s comforting, cheesy, and brimming with wholesome goodness. I’ll also include tips for making it vegan, gluten-free, and full of flavor, so everyone can enjoy it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Loaded with nutrients: Spinach is a great source of iron, vitamin K, and antioxidants.
• Family-friendly: Even picky eaters love cheesy stuffed shells.
• Make-ahead friendly: Prepare in advance and bake when ready.
• Customizable: Easy to swap in vegan or gluten-free ingredients.
• Comfort food: Creamy ricotta, melty cheese, and a rich tomato sauce make this the ultimate vegetarian comfort meal.
• Perfect for leftovers: Reheats beautifully for lunches or dinners.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need for Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells. The quantities below serve 4-6 people.

For vegan version: Use vegan ricotta (store-bought or homemade), omit egg, use plant-based mozzarella and parmesan.

Equipment

• Large pot – for boiling pasta shells
• Large skillet or sauté pan – for cooking spinach
• Mixing bowls – for combining filling ingredients
• Baking dish (9×13 inch recommended)
• Colander – for draining pasta and spinach
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Aluminum foil – for covering while baking

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your baking dish with a bit of olive oil.
2. Cook the pasta shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo shells and cook until just al dente, usually 1-2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and set aside on a clean kitchen towel to cool. Tip: Don’t overcook – they’ll soften more while baking.
3. Sauté the spinach: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add fresh spinach and sauté until wilted (about 2-3 minutes). Remove from heat, let it cool slightly, then squeeze out excess moisture and chop.
4. Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, parmesan, cooked spinach, egg, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
5. Assemble the shells: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly in the bottom of your baking dish. Fill each pasta shell with a generous spoonful of the spinach-ricotta mixture and arrange them in the dish, open side up.
6. Top with sauce and cheese: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
7. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Garnish and serve: Let the shells cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped basil or parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Vegan option: Swap dairy cheeses for vegan ricotta and mozzarella, and omit the egg. There are excellent store-bought options, or try a homemade vegan ricotta.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta shells, now widely available at most supermarkets.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a subtle kick.
• Boost the veggies: Finely chopped mushrooms, zucchini, or bell pepper can be sautéed with spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Meal prep: Assemble the shells up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Add 10 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
• Freezing: Freeze assembled, unbaked shells for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding extra time as needed.

“Squeeze as much water out of the cooked spinach as possible—this keeps your filling creamy, not watery!”

Nutrition Facts

The following values are approximate, based on one serving (1/6 of the recipe) using dairy cheese and regular pasta:

Note: Nutrition will vary if using vegan or gluten-free substitutes.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic Italian dinner: Serve alongside a fresh green salad and warm, crusty bread. Try pairing with a slice of homemade bread using my Vegan Bread Maker Recipe for Soft and Delicious Loaves.
• Hearty lunch: Enjoy leftovers with a simple tomato-cucumber salad or a cup of soup. For a protein boost, check out these High Protein Vegan Soup Recipes for Healthy Meals.
• Party platter: Arrange stuffed shells on a large platter, sprinkle with extra fresh herbs, and serve as a vegetarian main course at potlucks or gatherings.
• Mix and match: Spinach-stuffed shells pair beautifully with Mediterranean-inspired sides, such as roasted vegetables, olives, or a tangy Greek salad.
• Make it a feast: For a delicious and diverse vegetarian spread, try adding these Veg Maharashtrian Recipes: Easy & Delicious Meals to your table.

Conclusion

Spinach and ricotta stuffed shells are a timeless vegetarian dish that celebrates the best of simple, wholesome ingredients. The creamy filling, savory marinara, and melty cheese are sure to satisfy any comfort food craving, while the spinach packs in a nutritional punch.

This recipe is endlessly adaptable—swap in your favorite cheeses, add more veggies, or make it vegan or gluten-free according to your needs.

Whether you’re new to vegetarian cooking or a seasoned plant-based chef, recipes like this one make it easy to enjoy delicious, nourishing food every day. If you love trying new flavors, explore more ideas like my Veggie Quesadilla Recipe Indian Style Easy & Delicious or browse through our collection of creative vegetarian recipes.

I hope this spinach-stuffed shell recipe becomes a staple in your kitchen—happy cooking!