Stuffed Shells

Prep Time: 20 min	Cook Time: 30 min
Total Time: 50 min	Servings: 6

Introduction

Get ready for a cheesy, flavorful, and fun-to-eat meal with these delicious Stuffed Shells! This kid-friendly recipe combines jumbo pasta shells with a creamy filling made of cottage cheese, spinach, and herbs, topped with a zesty marinara sauce and gooey mozzarella. The whole family will love the tasty flavors and fun presentation of these stuffed pasta shells.

Ingredients

• 12 oz jumbo pasta shells

• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 (24 oz) container whipped cottage cheese or ricotta cheese

• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

  
  

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

   
   

2. Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions, adding 1 tablespoon of salt to the boiling water. Drain the shells and set aside to cool.

   
   

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese (or ricotta), spinach, egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.

   
   

4. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.

   
   

5. Fill each cooked pasta shell with a heaping spoonful of the cheese and spinach mixture, and place them in the baking dish, filling side up.

   
   

6. Cover the stuffed shells with the remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese on top.

   
   

7. Bake the Stuffed Shells for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

   
   

Serving Suggestions

Serve these tasty Stuffed Shells alongside a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or your favorite vegetables. Allow your family to customize their meal by offering additional toppings like grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little kick.

Cooking Tips

• If your kids are hesitant about spinach, try substituting it with chopped bell peppers, diced mushrooms, or their favorite vegetables.

  
  

• Make a vegetarian version by omitting the egg and using a vegetarian-friendly marinara sauce.

  
  

• For a meatier option, mix in cooked ground beef, turkey, or chicken into the filling.

  
  

Nutritional Facts

Calories	Protein	Fat	Carbs	Fiber	Net Carbs
450 Kcal	22g	16g	50g	3g	47g