Entrees

null

Makes 6 servings (5 stuffed shells per serving)

null

Makes 6 servings (5 stuffed shells per serving)

Flecks of spinach blend with feta and ricotta cheeses to make this stuffing for jumbo pasta shells. Use your own favorite tomato sauce, homemade or jarred, as the topping. Preparation: 15 to 20 minutes, plus 30 to 35 minutes baking.

Nutritional information per serving: Calories 452 (37% from fat)
carb. 51g
pro. 16g
fat 18g
sat. fat 8g
chol. 49mg
sod. 821mg
calc. 458mg
fiber 3g

Ingredients

36 jumbo pasta shells (extra in case of breakage)1⁄2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil1⁄4 cup finely chopped onion or shallot 1 clove garlic, minced 1 1⁄2 teaspoons basil1 1⁄2 teaspoons oregano 1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed 1 pound regular or part-skim ricotta cheese8 ounces feta cheese, crumbled 1⁄4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 3 cups tomato sauce (homemade or purchased)2 - 3 tablespoons freshly grated Reggiano Parmigiano cheese cooking spray

Preparation

1. In a 5-quart stockpot, cook the pasta shells in boiling salted water according to package instructions. Drain, rinse and set aside on a sheet pan lined with plastic wrap.2. In an 8-inch skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic and herbs; cook until softened and fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. 3. Transfer to a medium (3-quart) bowl and allow to cool for 5 minutes. Place the thawed spinach in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze the liquid from the spinach; discard the liquid (you will have about ¾ cup chopped spinach). Add the spinach, ricotta, feta and pepper to the onion mixture in the bowl. 4. Mix on speed 2 for 30 seconds, then increase to speed 4 and mix for 1½ minutes. Stuff each cooked shell with about 1½ tablespoons of the spinach mixture. 5. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly coat a 13 x 9 x 2-inch (or equivalent) baking dish with cooking spray. 6. Spoon 1 cup of the tomato sauce into the dish and spread evenly in the bottom. Arrange the shells, open side up. Spoon an additional 2 cups of the sauce evenly over the shells. 7. Cover loosely with foil and bake in the preheated 375°F oven for 30 to 35 minutes, until hot and bubbly. Remove from oven and sprinkle with Parmesan. Let rest 5 minutes before serving. *Tip: Measure out filling using an ice cream scoop, just the perfect amount to fill each jumbo shell.