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Creepy Stuffed Shells

These spooky stuffed shells are baked pasta shells filled with a creamy mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, and spinach, then topped with marinara sauce, black olives, and melted cheese. The dish is baked until bubbly and golden, with a gooey, cheesy texture and a smoky, savory flavor profile perfect for Halloween or a fun dinner surprise.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 large pasta shells uncooked
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese or cottage cheese
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 1 cup frozen spinach thawed and drained
  • 1 cup marinara sauce rich and thick
  • 0.5 cup black olives sliced, for topping
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg optional
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or chipotle powder

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking dish
  • Spoon or piping bag
  • Aluminum foil

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the pasta shells until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, shredded mozzarella, drained spinach, and a pinch of nutmeg. Mix until the filling is creamy and evenly blended.
  4. Using a spoon or piping bag, stuff each cooked shell generously with the cheesy mixture. Place the stuffed shells snugly in a baking dish.
  5. In a separate bowl, stir together the marinara sauce with smoked paprika and a splash of balsamic vinegar for a smoky, tangy flavor.
  6. Pour the seasoned marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells, making sure they are fully covered.
  7. Sprinkle extra mozzarella cheese on top, then distribute sliced black olives over the surface for that spooky, mottled look.
  8. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, until bubbling around the edges. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes to let the top brown and bubbly.
  9. Once baked, let the shells rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the filling set and makes serving easier.
  10. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
  11. Serve hot, enjoying the gooey, smoky, cheesy flavors with a spooky twist that’s perfect for a fun dinner or Halloween feast.

Notes

For an extra spooky touch, add some chopped red peppers or use different olives. Make ahead by assembling the dish and refrigerating before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.