Creamy Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells: A Pasta Delight! 🌿🧀

Ricotta and Spinach Stuffed Pasta Shells

Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that combines the wholesome goodness of spinach, the creamy richness of ricotta cheese, and the comforting embrace of pasta shells? Look no further, because this recipe for Ricotta and Spinach Stuffed Pasta Shells is here to tantalize your taste buds and elevate your dinner table to new heights of flavor and satisfaction! 🍽️✨

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 32 pasta shells
• 500g spinach
• 250g low-fat ricotta cheese
• 500g low-fat cottage cheese
• 600g parmesan cheese
• 250ml sauce (your favorite marinara or tomato sauce)
• 1 cup vegetable or chicken stock

Directions:

1. Cook the Pasta Shells:
   Begin by cooking the pasta shells in a large saucepan filled with boiling water. Let them simmer uncovered for about 3 minutes until they reach the desired tenderness. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside to cool slightly.

2. Prepare the Spinach:
   While the pasta is cooking, it’s time to prepare the spinach. You can either boil, steam, or microwave the spinach until it’s just wilted. Once cooked, drain the excess liquid from the spinach and chop it finely.

3. Combine Spinach and Cheeses:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach with the low-fat ricotta and cottage cheese. Mix them well until you achieve a creamy and evenly distributed filling.

4. Stuff the Pasta Shells:
   Now comes the fun part! Take each pasta shell and generously fill it with the spinach and cheese mixture. Be sure to stuff them to the brim for maximum flavor in every bite.

5. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to a moderate temperature, getting it ready to work its magic on these stuffed pasta shells.

6. Prepare the Baking Dish:
   Take a shallow ovenproof dish, lightly oil it to prevent sticking, and then combine the sauce and stock in the dish. This creates a flavorful base for our stuffed shells to nestle into.

7. Arrange the Pasta Shells:
   Carefully arrange the stuffed pasta shells in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are snugly nestled together. Sprinkle a generous amount of grated parmesan cheese over the top for that irresistible golden crust.

8. Bake to Perfection:
   Cover the baking dish with a lid or aluminum foil to trap the flavors and moisture inside. Place it in the preheated oven and let the stuffed pasta shells bake for about 1 hour, or until the pasta is tender and the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbling.

9. Serve and Enjoy:
   Once the aroma of bubbling cheese fills your kitchen and the pasta shells are golden brown and inviting, it’s time to serve up this delectable dish! Plate the stuffed shells with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that’s sure to impress even the most discerning palates.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 257.6
• Fat Content: 6.8g
• Saturated Fat Content: 2.3g
• Cholesterol Content: 11.1mg
• Sodium Content: 1346.9mg
• Carbohydrate Content: 26g
• Fiber Content: 3.4g
• Sugar Content: 14.3g
• Protein Content: 24.2g

With its blend of wholesome ingredients, creamy textures, and satisfying flavors, this Ricotta and Spinach Stuffed Pasta Shells recipe is perfect for cozy weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a hearty and delicious meal. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece that will leave everyone coming back for seconds! 🌟🍝