Healthy Stuffed Shells
Lighten up your pasta nights with these irresistible Healthy Stuffed Shells, a wholesome twist on the classic Italian comfort dish. Made with tender jumbo whole-grain pasta shells filled with a creamy blend of ricotta cheese, sautéed spinach, and savory garlic, this recipe is hearty, flavorful, and packed with nutrients. The addition of gooey mozzarella, tangy parmesan, and aromatic Italian seasoning ensures every bite is delightfully satisfying. Smothered in rich marinara sauce and baked to golden perfection, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. Serve these healthy stuffed shells with a crisp side salad or steamed veggies for a balanced, feel-good meal. Ready in just over an hour and brimming with simple, wholesome ingredients, it’s a delicious way to enjoy comfort food guilt-free!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 20 pieces jumbo whole-grain pasta shells
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 4 cups baby spinach
- 0.5 cups parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Cook the jumbo whole-grain pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the minced garlic for 1 minute, then add the baby spinach. Cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, the cooked spinach, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
Spread 1/2 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Using a spoon, fill each pasta shell with the ricotta mixture, being careful not to overfill. Arrange the stuffed shells in the prepared baking dish, open-side up.
Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, covering them evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the marinara sauce.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your healthy stuffed shells warm!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
354 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 20.1 g | 26% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.5 g | 57% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 90 mg | 30% | |
| Sodium | 655 mg | 28% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 22.9 g | 8% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.6 g | 13% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.4 g | ||
| Protein | 21.8 g | 44% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 426 mg | 33% | |
| Iron | 2.2 mg | 12% | |
| Potassium | 164 mg | 3% | |
*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.
