Healthy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Why You’ll Love This Healty Recipe:
This dish combines classic Italian comfort with a healthy twist. The creamy spinach and ricotta filling is rich and nutritious, offering a good balance of vitamins, protein, and calcium. Using part-skim cheeses keeps it indulgent yet light. Jumbo shells make for perfect, satisfying servings, and the marinara sauce adds a tangy complement to the creamy filling. Ideal for vegetarians or anyone craving a hearty, meatless meal.

Healthy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Course: Healthy PastaCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy to Moderate
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

30

minutes
Total time

45

minutes

Ingredients

  • 20 jumbo pasta shells

  • 2 cups clean spinach (or frozen spinach, thawed and tired)

  • 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese (part-skim for a lighter option)

  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (divided)

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 egg, gently beaten

  • 2 cups marinara sauce (selfmade or shop-offered)

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 tsp olive oil

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • 1 tsp dried oregano

  • ½ tsp crimson pepper flakes (non-obligatory)
    Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Directions

  • Cook the Pasta:
    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and prepare dinner according to the package deal instructions till al dente. Be careful not to overcook them, as you need the shells to keep their form. Drain and set aside to chill barely.
  • Prepare the Spinach:

    In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium warmness. Add the minced garlic and sauté for approximately 1 minute till fragrant. Add the sparkling spinach and prepare dinner till wilted, approximately 2-three minutes. If the usage of frozen spinach, ensure it’s properly-tired earlier than adding to the skillet. Remove from warmness and let it cool barely.
  • Make the Ricotta Filling:

    In a huge bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, ½ cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and the overwhelmed egg. Stir inside the cooled spinach and garlic combination. Season with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and crimson pepper flakes (if the use of). Mix till the whole thing is well mixed.
  • Stuff the Shells:
    Preheat your oven to 375°F (a hundred ninety°C). Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Fill each cooked pasta shell with about 1-2 tablespoons of the spinach and ricotta aggregate and arrange them inside the baking dish, open facet up. Continue till all shells are stuffed and the dish is complete.
  • Top with Sauce and Cheese:

    Pour the last marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle the relaxation of the mozzarella cheese over the top.
  • Bake:
    Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake within the preheated oven for 25 mins. Then, dispose of the foil and bake for a further 10-15 minutes, or till the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Serve:
    Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for added flavor and color.

Healthy Tips

  • * Use Whole Wheat Pasta: For a further boost of fiber, use whole wheat jumbo shells as opposed to normal pasta. This will make the dish even healthier without sacrificing flavor.
    * Sneak in Extra Veggies: You can add greater greens like finely chopped zucchini or mushrooms into the ricotta filling for a further dose of vitamins.
    * Lighten it Up Further: You can substitute the egg inside the filling with flaxseed meal combined with water (as a binder) to make it greater plant-based totally. You may also use low-fat mozzarella and ricotta for a lighter version.

Nutrition Information:

Protein

18g

Fat

13g

Carbohydrates

38g

Calories

320 kcal

Conclusion:

This Healthy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells recipe is an excellent blend of comfort and nutrition. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or planning a meal for guests, this dish is sure to impress. The combination of cheesy filling, tender pasta, and tangy marinara sauce will make it a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Plus, it’s versatile enough to adjust based on your dietary preferences, and you can easily prepare it ahead of time for those busy nights when you need a quick and satisfying meal.

Enjoy Your Meal

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