Spinach and Ricotta-Stuffed Shells

By VegasBartender

These rich and cheesy spinach and ricotta-stuffed shells are the ultimate Italian comfort food. Substitute various cheeses, such as Asiago or feta, in place of Parmesan and other dried herbs, such as thyme, basil, or dill, in place of oregano.

Bruce Weinstein, Cooking Light

OCTOBER 2007

Ingredients

• 2 cups Basic Marinara, divided
• Cooking spray
• 2 1/2 cups part-skim ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup (2 ounces) grated fresh Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained, and squeezed dry
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 24 cooked jumbo pasta shells

Details

Servings 6
Adapted from myrecipes.com

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350°.

Spread 1/2 cup Basic Marinara over bottom of a 13 x 9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray.

Combine ricotta and next 8 ingredients (through garlic) in a large bowl, stirring well. Spoon about 1 1/2 tablespoons filling into each pasta shell. Arrange stuffed shells in prepared dish; spread with remaining 1 1/2 cups Basic Marinara. Cover and bake at 350° for 30 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.