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A vibrant plate of cooked large pasta shells filled with a creamy spinach and ricotta mixture, topped with melted cheese and garnished with fresh herbs, served on a white ceramic plate with a rustic wooden background, showcasing textures from the smooth ricotta to the wilted spinach and perfectly cooked pasta.

Healthy Spinach and Ricotta Pasta Shells Delight

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These spinach and ricotta stuffed shells are a wholesome, easy-to-make dinner packed with greens and creamy cheese. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions, this dish is both comforting and nutritious.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 20 large pasta shells
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup chopped spinach (fresh or frozen)
  • 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta shells according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
  2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, sauté garlic until fragrant. Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat.
  3. In a bowl, combine ricotta, sautéed spinach, mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  4. Stuff each cooked shell with the ricotta-spinach mixture and place in a baking dish.
  5. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.

Notes

  • You can substitute fresh spinach with frozen, just ensure it’s well drained.
  • For added flavor, sprinkle red pepper flakes or grated Pecorino cheese before baking.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Bake
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 shell filled with approximately 1/4 of the mixture
  • Calories: 410 Kcal
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 540mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg