Description
A wholesome, meatless meal packed with creamy ricotta, spinach, and a savory marinara sauce. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for dinner and can be customized to your liking!
Ingredients
Scale
- 20 large pasta shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup spinach, chopped (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked sweet potato, mashed
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for texture)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta Shells:
Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions. Be sure to undercook them slightly to keep them al dente. Drain and set aside to cool. - Prepare the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, chopped spinach (squeeze out excess moisture if using frozen spinach), mozzarella cheese, Parmesan, mashed sweet potato, breadcrumbs (if using), garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the egg and mix everything together until smooth and well-combined. - Stuff the Shells:
Carefully stuff each cooked pasta shell with the ricotta and vegetable mixture. Place the stuffed shells in a baking dish. - Assemble and Bake:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of the baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells in the dish and pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top. Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and the filling is set. - Serve:
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil and serve!
Notes
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the stuffed shells ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. This is a great option for meal prepping.
- Freezing: To freeze, assemble the dish but do not bake. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
- Vegan Option: For a vegan version, swap the ricotta with dairy-free ricotta or a cashew-based filling and use a plant-based mozzarella alternative.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 18g