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Spinach Alfredo Shells - Creamy, Comforting, and Weeknight-Friendly

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Jumbo pasta shells: 20–24 shells, cooked al dente
  • Unsalted butter: 4 tablespoons
  • Garlic: 3–4 cloves, minced
  • Heavy cream: 1 3/4 cups
  • Freshly grated Parmesan: 1 1/4 cups, plus extra for topping
  • Whole-milk ricotta: 1 cup
  • Shredded mozzarella: 1 1/2 cups
  • Baby spinach: 6 cups fresh (or 10 ounces frozen, thawed and well-drained)
  • Nutmeg: A small pinch (optional, but classic in Alfredo)
  • Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
  • Salt and black pepper: To taste
  • Fresh parsley or basil: 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Method
 

  1. Cook the shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the jumbo shells until just al dente, 1–2 minutes less than the package suggests. Drain, rinse with cool water, and spread on a baking sheet so they don’t stick.
  2. Wilt the spinach: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium. Add spinach with a pinch of salt and cook until just wilted, 2–3 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board, cool slightly, then chop and squeeze out excess liquid. If using frozen, thaw completely and wring dry in a clean towel.
  3. Make the Alfredo base: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add garlic and cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Pour in heavy cream, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook 3–4 minutes, stirring.
  4. Add Parmesan: Lower the heat and whisk in 1 cup Parmesan until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and a tiny pinch of nutmeg. The sauce should lightly coat the back of a spoon.
  5. Mix the filling: In a large bowl, combine ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, chopped spinach, and 1/2 cup of the warm Alfredo sauce. Stir until creamy. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
  6. Prep the baking dish: Spoon about 1 cup of the Alfredo sauce into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish and spread it evenly.
  7. Fill the shells: Spoon 1–2 tablespoons of the spinach-ricotta mixture into each shell and arrange them snugly in the dish, open side up.
  8. Top with sauce and cheese: Pour the remaining Alfredo over the shells, aiming for even coverage. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan on top.
  9. Bake: Cover loosely with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 10–12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and lightly golden at the edges.
  10. Rest and garnish: Let the shells rest for 5–10 minutes so the sauce settles. Finish with chopped parsley or basil and a crack of black pepper.