Name: Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Ingredients: Jumbo Pasta Shells: 1 box (about 24-30 shells) – The perfect vessel for holding our delicious spinach and ricotta filling.; Frozen Spinach: 10 ounces, thawed and squeezed dry – Provides a healthy dose of greens and a subtle earthy flavor to the filling.; Ricotta Cheese: 15 ounces, whole milk preferred – Forms the creamy and cheesy base of our stuffing, adding richness and moisture.; Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup, grated, plus extra for topping – Enhances the savory flavor and adds a salty, nutty note to both the filling and the baked dish.; Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup, shredded, plus extra for topping – Melts beautifully and creates that irresistible cheesy pull we all love.; Egg: 1 large – Acts as a binder for the filling, helping it hold its shape and prevents it from becoming too dry.; Garlic: 3 cloves, minced – Infuses the filling and sauce with a pungent and aromatic flavor that is essential to Italian cuisine.; Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped – Adds a foundational savory flavor to the sauce, creating depth and complexity.; Canned Crushed Tomatoes: 28 ounces – Forms the base of our rich and flavorful tomato sauce. Opt for good quality for the best taste.; Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons – Intensifies the tomato flavor in the sauce and adds richness and body.; Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon – Brings a classic Italian herb flavor to both the filling and the sauce, adding warmth and earthiness.; Dried Basil: 1 teaspoon – Complements the oregano and enhances the overall Italian herb profile of the dish.; Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon (optional) – Adds a subtle kick of heat to the sauce, balancing the richness of the cheese and tomato. Adjust to your spice preference.; Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons – Used for sautéing the onion and garlic and adds richness to the sauce.; Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup, chopped – Adds a fresh, herbaceous note and a pop of color when used as a garnish.; Salt: To taste – Essential for seasoning both the filling and the sauce, bringing out the flavors of all the ingredients.; Black Pepper: To taste – Adds a subtle spice and depth of flavor to both the filling and the sauce.; Water: 1/2 cup – Used to adjust the consistency of the tomato sauce if needed.

Ingredients

Jumbo Pasta Shells: 1 box (about 24-30 shells) – The perfect vessel for holding our delicious spinach and ricotta filling.
Frozen Spinach: 10 ounces, thawed and squeezed dry – Provides a healthy dose of greens and a subtle earthy flavor to the filling.
Ricotta Cheese: 15 ounces, whole milk preferred – Forms the creamy and cheesy base of our stuffing, adding richness and moisture.
Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup, grated, plus extra for topping – Enhances the savory flavor and adds a salty, nutty note to both the filling and the baked dish.
Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup, shredded, plus extra for topping – Melts beautifully and creates that irresistible cheesy pull we all love.
Egg: 1 large – Acts as a binder for the filling, helping it hold its shape and prevents it from becoming too dry.
Garlic: 3 cloves, minced – Infuses the filling and sauce with a pungent and aromatic flavor that is essential to Italian cuisine.
Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped – Adds a foundational savory flavor to the sauce, creating depth and complexity.
Canned Crushed Tomatoes: 28 ounces – Forms the base of our rich and flavorful tomato sauce. Opt for good quality for the best taste.
Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons – Intensifies the tomato flavor in the sauce and adds richness and body.
Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon – Brings a classic Italian herb flavor to both the filling and the sauce, adding warmth and earthiness.
Dried Basil: 1 teaspoon – Complements the oregano and enhances the overall Italian herb profile of the dish.
Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon (optional) – Adds a subtle kick of heat to the sauce, balancing the richness of the cheese and tomato. Adjust to your spice preference.
Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons – Used for sautéing the onion and garlic and adds richness to the sauce.
Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup, chopped – Adds a fresh, herbaceous note and a pop of color when used as a garnish.
Salt: To taste – Essential for seasoning both the filling and the sauce, bringing out the flavors of all the ingredients.
Black Pepper: To taste – Adds a subtle spice and depth of flavor to both the filling and the sauce.
Water: 1/2 cup – Used to adjust the consistency of the tomato sauce if needed.

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Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes

Nutrition

Serving Size: one normal portion
Calories: 550
Fat: 25
Carbohydrates: 55
Fiber: 7
Protein: 30