Ingredients

1 box medium pasta shell ( not the jumbos you stuff , or the small ones , they do n't work well , you could sub with a rigatoni or )
1 box frozen chopped spinach , thawed and drained well
1 can artichoke hearts , in water , drained and chopped
1 medium onion , fine chopped
2 teaspoons minced garlic ( more if you want , to taste )
2 cups ricotta cheese ( do n't use the low fat )
1 1/2 cups Fontina cheese , grated ( mozzarella would be a good substitute )
1/2 cup parmesan cheese , grated
1 large egg ( extra large would be fine )
1/2 teaspoon grated fresh nutmeg
3 teaspoons olive oil
1/2 - 1 cup of the pasta water
1 pinch red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
salt
pepper
Cheesy Baked Un-Stuffed Shells With Spinach & Artichokes is a twist on the classic stuffed shells dish. By not having to stuff the shells, the preparation is made much simpler, which makes it perfect for those busy weeknights when time is of the essence. This recipe is perfect for family dinners and potlucks. The combination of hearty pasta shells, gooey cheese, spinach and artichokes make this dish a crowd pleaser. For vegetarians and cheese lovers, this is a dish that is sure to become a staple in your recipe box.

Instructions

1.Preheat oven to 350F. Grease a 9 x 13 inch baking dish.
2.Cook pasta shells according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1/2 - 1 cup of the pasta water. Set aside.
3.In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, cook until tender.
4.Add spinach and artichokes, cook until heated through.
5.In a medium bowl mix together the ricotta cheese, fontina cheese, parmesan cheese, egg, nutmeg, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir in spinach mixture and pasta water until combined.
6.In the prepared baking dish, pour half of the pasta sauce mixture. Top with pasta shells and then the remaining mixture. Sprinkle some more parmesan cheese on top.
7.Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until heated through.
8.Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

PROS

This Cheesy Baked Un-Stuffed Shells With Spinach & Artichokes recipe is easy to make and can be ready in under an hour.
The combination of spinach and artichokes gives this dish a healthy boost of nutrients while the cheesy goodness makes it indulgent and comforting.

CONS

This recipe has a high calorie and fat content so it should be enjoyed in moderation.
It may not be suitable for individuals who are lactose intolerant or on a low-fat diet.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Spinach is a great source of vitamins and minerals such as iron, calcium, and vitamin K. It is also low in calories and high in antioxidants.
Artichokes are a rich source of fiber, vitamin C, and magnesium. They may also aid in digestion and support liver health.
The ricotta cheese in this recipe is high in protein and calcium.

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