Heart-Healthy Classic Shells and Cheese
Indulge guilt-free with our Heart-Healthy Classic Shells and Cheese, a wholesome twist on everyone's favorite comfort food. This rich and creamy dish swaps out traditional ingredients for nutrient-packed options like whole wheat pasta shells, low-fat cheeses, and baby spinach, creating a decadent meal that's kind to your heart. A silky cheese sauce made from skim milk, low-sodium vegetable broth, and a trio of sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and ricotta is complemented by hints of garlic, black pepper, and nutmeg for added flavor depth. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe comes together in under 40 minutes and can be served straight from the stovetop or broiled for a golden, crispy finish. Packed with fiber, lower in sodium, and loaded with vibrant greens, this shells and cheese dish is a nutritious yet indulgent treat designed to satisfy cravings without compromise.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces Whole wheat pasta shells
- 2 cups Low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1.5 cups Skim milk
- 1 cup Low-fat sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 0.25 cup Low-fat ricotta cheese
- 2 cups Baby spinach, chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Whole-wheat flour
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 0.125 teaspoon Nutmeg
Instructions
1. Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Add a pinch of salt, if desired, then add the whole wheat pasta shells. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the whole-wheat flour to the saucepan and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until it forms a paste. Be careful not to let it brown.
4. Gradually whisk in the low-sodium vegetable broth and skim milk, ensuring there are no lumps, to create a smooth sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, and slowly incorporate the low-fat sharp cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and ricotta cheese, stirring constantly until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is creamy.
6. Stir in chopped baby spinach, allowing it to wilt in the sauce. Season with ground black pepper and a dash of nutmeg for added flavor.
7. Add the cooked pasta shells to the sauce and gently mix until the shells are well-coated with the cheese sauce.
8. Serve immediately, or transfer the mixture to a baking dish and place under a preheated broiler for 2-3 minutes for a golden, crispy top. Serve warm and enjoy your heart-healthy classic shells and cheese!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2219 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 55.2 g | 71% | |
| Saturated Fat | 24.0 g | 120% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 122 mg | 41% | |
| Sodium | 2302 mg | 100% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 301.0 g | 109% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 25.5 g | 91% | |
| Total Sugars | 28.0 g | ||
| Protein | 128.6 g | 257% | |
| Vitamin D | 4.6 mcg | 23% | |
| Calcium | 2336 mg | 180% | |
| Iron | 17.3 mg | 96% | |
| Potassium | 2824 mg | 60% | |
*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.
