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Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

This easy spinach and ricotta stuffed shells recipe features three cheeses and sautéed spinach for a comforting vegetarian dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course dinner
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 500 kcal

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • shallow 8-inch by 8-inch baking dish

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Cheese Filling

  • 16 pieces jumbo pasta shells (Cook a couple of extra shells to allow for a few breaking while the pasta cooks.)
  • 1.5 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 teaspoon fresh garlic, minced
  • 4 cups fresh spinach leaves, roughly-chopped (packed)
  • 12 oz skim-milk ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded skim-milk mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper
  • 1.25 cups marinara sauce

Instructions
 

Cooking Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Cook the pasta al dente, according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  • Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil begins to shimmer, add the garlic and cook until it begins to brown, about a minute or two. Add the spinach and cook, stirring occasionally, until the leaves begin to wilt but are still bright green, about 3 to 4 minutes. The spinach should be reduced by half. Remove from the heat and let cool.
  • In a mixing bowl, stir together the spinach, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, basil and salt and pepper until thoroughly combined. Pour ½ cup of the marinara sauce into the bottom of a shallow baking dish. Stuff each pasta shell with a generous amount of the spinach and ricotta mixture, and place in the baking dish.
  • Cover with the remaining sauce and bake covered with aluminum foil for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking until the top begins to brown and the sauce begins to bubble, another 10-15 minutes. Serve warm with a dusting of Parmesan.

Notes

This dish is a great vegetarian option and is perfect for gatherings.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 25gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 750mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 50IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 15mg
Keyword Cheese, comfort food, Pasta, Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells, vegetarian
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