Cottage Shells and Spinach
Creamy, hearty, and packed with wholesome flavors, Cottage Shells and Spinach is a delightful pasta recipe that brings comfort food to your table with a nutritious twist. This quick 30-minute dish combines tender shell pasta with vibrant, sautéed baby spinach, all enveloped in a creamy cottage cheese and parmesan sauce that’s both rich and light. Infused with the subtle warmth of garlic and a touch of optional red pepper flakes for a kick, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and freshness. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this family-friendly meal is an ideal weeknight dinner while remaining classy enough to impress at a casual gathering. Serve it with an extra sprinkle of parmesan for the ultimate cheesy finish!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz medium shell pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups baby spinach, fresh
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.25 cup milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the shell pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add the baby spinach to the skillet in batches, stirring frequently, until wilted, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat once all the spinach has cooked down.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese, grated parmesan cheese, and milk until smooth and creamy.
Return the skillet with spinach to low heat. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine.
Pour the cottage cheese mixture over the pasta and spinach. Stir well to coat everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta cooking water, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
Season the dish with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on low heat to warm everything through.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
338 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 14.7 g | 19% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.6 g | 28% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 26 mg | 9% | |
| Sodium | 1044 mg | 45% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 30.9 g | 11% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.6 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.7 g | ||
| Protein | 20.4 g | 41% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 349 mg | 27% | |
| Iron | 2.6 mg | 14% | |
| Potassium | 412 mg | 9% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
