Name: Easy Vegetarian Skillet Stuffed Shells
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 18 jumbo pasta shells (about 6 oz.); 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, divided, plus more; 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil; 1/2 lb. crimini mushrooms, thinly sliced; 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper; 1/2 cup dry white wine or vermouth; 5 oz. baby spinach; 6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced; 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter; 3 cups marinara sauce; 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes; 2 cups whole-milk ricotta; 3 oz. finely grated Parmesan (about 1 cup), plus more for serving; 3 Tbsp. finely chopped oregano, divided

A pan filled with stuffed pasta shells and serving spoon.

Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Anna Stockwell

Stuffed shells don’t have to be a weekend project. This one-pan, stovetop-only version turns mushroom- and spinach-stuffed shells into an easy weeknight pasta dinner. The quick but deeply flavorful sauce is made by dressing up jarred marinara sauce with garlic browned in butter and crushed red pepper flakes.

Recipe information

Total Time
45 minutes
Yield
4 servings

Ingredients

18 jumbo pasta shells (about 6 oz.)

1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, divided, plus more

2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 lb. crimini mushrooms, thinly sliced

1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

1/2 cup dry white wine or vermouth

5 oz. baby spinach

6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

2 Tbsp. unsalted butter

3 cups marinara sauce

1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

2 cups whole-milk ricotta

3 oz. finely grated Parmesan (about 1 cup), plus more for serving

3 Tbsp. finely chopped oregano, divided

Preparation

Step 1
Cook shells in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until very al dente, about 9 minutes; drain. Run under cold water to stop the cooking; drain again.
Step 2
Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over high. Add mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until they release juices, then are dry again and nicely browned, 5–6 minutes; season with black pepper and 1 tsp. salt. Reduce heat to medium, add wine, and cook, stirring, until reduced by half, 1–2 minutes. Add spinach, cover, and cook until beginning to wilt, 1–2 minutes. Uncover and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until spinach is completely wilted and most of the liquid is evaporated, 2–4 minutes more. Transfer mushroom mixture to a large bowl; reserve skillet.
Step 3
Cook garlic and butter in reserved skillet over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until garlic is fragrant and beginning to brown, 2–3 minutes. Add marinara sauce and red pepper and bring to a simmer over low heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until warmed through, 6–8 minutes.
Step 4
While sauce cooks, add ricotta, 3 oz. Parmesan, 2 Tbsp. oregano, and remaining 1/2 tsp. salt to mushroom mixture and stir to combine. Spoon about 2 Tbsp. ricotta mixture into each shell. The shell should be filled to capacity but not overstuffed.
Step 5
Nestle stuffed shells into hot sauce in skillet. Cover and cook over medium heat until shells are warmed through, 4–6 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit 5 minutes. Sprinkle with Parmesan and remaining 1 Tbsp. oregano.