Vegetable and Cheese Stuffed Shells

These Vegetable and Cheese Stuffed Shells are a delightful combination of creamy ricotta, fresh vegetables, and rich marinara sauce, making for a comforting and satisfying meal. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this dish is both flavorful and nutritious, appealing to both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

• Jumbo pasta shells - 12 pieces
• Ricotta cheese - 250 grams
• Shredded mozzarella cheese - 100 grams
• Grated Parmesan cheese - 30 grams
• Spinach - 100 grams, chopped
• Zucchini - 1 small, diced
• Red bell pepper - 1 small, diced
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Olive oil - 1 tablespoon
• Marinara sauce - 250 milliliters
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• Dried Italian herbs - 1 teaspoon

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, diced zucchini, and red bell pepper, sautéing for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about another 2 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese with the sautéed vegetable mixture. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
5. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the vegetable and cheese mixture and place them in a baking dish.
6. Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
7. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 20 g
• Carbs: 55 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 50 mg
• Total Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in protein from cheese and vegetables, supporting muscle health.
• Contains fiber from vegetables, aiding digestion and promoting satiety.

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