Mom’s Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

May 10, 2023May 10, 20230 1
Mom’s Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells – Italian comfort food at its finest
in Pasta

Prep

30 min

Cook

50 min

Ready In

80 min

Level

Easy

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

40 large pasta shells ( about 1 1/2 lbs )
1 teaspoon olive oil
2 lbs whole milk ricotta cheese
8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
2 lbs frozen chopped spinach ( thawed and drained )
2 tablespoons chopped garlic
2 eggs , lightly beaten
1/2 teaspoon italian seasoning
salt and pepper
2 jars tomato sauce
1 can tomato paste
1 lb of ground Italian sausage
1 lb ground chuck
2 tablespoons chopped garlic ( or more )
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 teaspoon italian seasoning
salt and pepper

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
10-12
Calories
475
Sugar
10g
Fat
24g
Mom’s Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells is a classic Italian recipe that has been enjoyed for generations. Stuffed with a creamy and cheesy spinach filling and covered in a savory tomato sauce, this dish is perfect for a cozy night in or a family dinner. The combination of spinach and ricotta cheese adds a subtle sweetness to the dish, while the tomato sauce and meat add a rich, savory flavor. This dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser and is perfect for satisfying even the heartiest of appetites.

Instructions

1.Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2.In a pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta shells until al dente according to package directions.
3.Drain the cooked pasta shells and toss lightly with olive oil.
4.In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, shredded parmesan cheese, drained spinach, chopped garlic, eggs, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste.
5.Stuff each pasta shell with a generous spoonful of the cheese and spinach mixture, and arrange in a baking dish.
6.In a large skillet, brown 1 lb of Italian sausage and 1 lb of ground chuck with garlic and onions until the meat is no longer pink and the onions are tender.
7.Drain the excess fat from the meat and add tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce has thickened slightly.
8.Pour the meat and tomato sauce over the stuffed shells.
9.Bake the dish, covered with foil, for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

PROS

These stuffed pasta shells are a hearty, filling meal that the whole family will love.

They are easy to make and can be prepared in advance to save time on busy weeknights.

CONS

This dish is high in calories and fat due to the use of cheeses and meat.

It may not be suitable for those with lactose intolerance or who are following a low-fat or low-carbohydrate diet.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

While this recipe may not be the healthiest option, spinach is a great source of vitamins A, C, and K as well as iron and fiber.
The dish is also a good source of protein from the meat and cheeses.

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