Description
These Easy and Healthy Vegetarian Stuffed Pasta Shells are a delicious and comforting dish that combines creamy ricotta and spinach with savory marinara sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner or as part of your meal prep routine.
Ingredients
12 large pasta shells
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups spinach, chopped
1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
Salt and pepper to taste
3 cups marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions. Drain the shells and set them aside to cool.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes until the spinach has wilted. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and egg. Add the cooked spinach and onion mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste and stir until everything is well combined.
- Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the ricotta-spinach mixture and arrange them in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Pour the marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring that they are completely covered.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Notes
This dish can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes.
You can freeze the stuffed shells before baking. They can be stored for up to 3 months in the freezer.
For a dairy-free version, use vegan cheese options and a flax or chia egg.
If you prefer heat, add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or on top before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
