Ricotta-Spinach Baked Shells in Tomato-Creamy Sauce 🍝
Nothing beats a warm, cheesy pasta dish fresh out of the oven when it comes to comfort food. This recipe is mouth-wateringly delicious. Before diving into this delightful recipe’s details, let’s look at some fun facts about the ingredients and the importance of choosing high-quality products.
Fun Facts and Ingredient Insights
- Ricotta Cheese: Did you know that ricotta means “recooked“ in Italian? This creamy cheese is made from the whey leftover from other cheese production. It’s rich and delicious and lower in fat compared to many other cheeses, making it a healthier option for creamy dishes.
- Spinach: Spinach is a nutritional powerhouse packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and magnesium. This leafy green was made famous by Popeye, the cartoon sailor, who attributed his superhuman strength to this superfood.
- Tomatoes: Tomatoes are not just a staple in Italian cuisine but also a great source of antioxidants, particularly lycopene, which has been linked to numerous health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease and cancer.
- Pasta: Opting for whole wheat pasta is a wise choice. Whole wheat pasta is higher in fiber and nutrients compared to its refined counterpart. It helps with digestion, keeps you fuller for longer, and has a lower glycemic index, making it a better option for maintaining blood sugar levels.
Importance of Choosing Quality Ingredients
Selecting high-quality ingredients is crucial for both flavor and health benefits. Whole wheat pasta, fresh spinach, and good-quality ricotta and tomatoes can significantly improve the overall taste and nutritional value of your dish. When you choose fresh, organic, and whole-food ingredients, you’re treating your taste buds and nourishing your body.
Nutritional Benefits
This Ricotta-Spinach Baked Shells recipe is a balanced meal that offers a range of nutritional benefits:
- Protein: Ricotta cheese provides good protein that is essential for muscle repair and growth.
- Fiber: Whole wheat pasta and spinach contribute to your daily fiber intake, aiding digestion and promoting a healthy gut.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Spinach is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, while tomatoes provide vitamins C and K, along with potassium and folate.
- Healthy Fats: The olive oil in the sauce contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
Recipe: Ricotta-Spinach Baked Shells in Tomato-Creamy Sauce
Ingredients:
- For the Filling:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Sauce:
- 2 cups tomato sauce (preferably homemade or low-sodium store-bought)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces whole wheat jumbo pasta shells
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, grated Parmesan, beaten egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are incorporated.
- Make the sauce: by heating the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the tomato sauce and heavy cream. Stir in the dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Assemble the Dish: Spread a thin layer of the tomato-creamy sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Stuff each pasta shell with the ricotta-spinach mixture and arrange them in the dish. Pour the remaining sauce over the stuffed shells.
- Bake: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
This Ricotta-Spinach Baked Shells recipe is the perfect blend of comfort and nutrition, making it an ideal meal for any occasion. By choosing high-quality ingredients and whole wheat pasta, you’re enhancing the flavor and boosting the nutritional value of this delicious dish. Enjoy the rich, creamy goodness while knowing you’re nourishing your body with wholesome ingredients.
Bon appétit!👩🏽🍳
Ingredients
For the Filling:
-
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
-
- 2 cups tomato sauce (preferably homemade or low-sodium store-bought)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
-
- 12 ounces whole wheat jumbo pasta shells
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, grated Parmesan, beaten egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are incorporated.
- Make the sauce: by heating the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the tomato sauce and heavy cream. Stir in the dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Assemble the Dish: Spread a thin layer of the tomato-creamy sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Stuff each pasta shell with the ricotta-spinach mixture and arrange them in the dish. Pour the remaining sauce over the stuffed shells.
- Bake: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Notes
This Ricotta-Spinach Baked Shells recipe is the perfect blend of comfort and nutrition, making it an ideal meal for any occasion. By choosing high-quality ingredients and whole wheat pasta, you're enhancing the flavor and boosting the nutritional value of this delicious dish. Enjoy the rich, creamy goodness while knowing you're nourishing your body with wholesome ingredients. Bon appétit!
