Description
Discover how to make delicious Zucchini Ricotta Stuffed Shells with Spinach Marinara. This easy recipe is perfect for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
- Jumbo pasta shells, 12 ounce (340 g) s (340 grams)
- Zucchini, 2 medium
- Ricotta cheese, 1 cup (240 ml) (240 grams)
- Shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 cup (240 ml) (100 grams)
- Grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup (120 ml) (50 grams)
- Egg, 1 large
- Garlic, 2 cloves
- Salt, 1 teaspoon (5 ml) (5 grams)
- Black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon (3 ml) (1 gram)
- Spinach, 3 cup (720 ml) s (90 grams)
- Marinara sauce, 2 cup (480 ml) s (475 milliliters)
- Olive oil, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) (15 milliliters)
- Fresh basil, 1/4 cup (60 ml) (10 grams)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- Grate the zucchini and squeeze out excess moisture using a clean towel.
- In a large bowl, combine grated zucchini, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
- Add the egg, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to the cheese mixture; mix until well combined.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add spinach to the skillet and sauté until wilted; remove from heat.
- Stir the sautéed spinach into the cheese and zucchini mixture.
- Spread 1 cup (240 milliliters) of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of a baking dish.
- Stuff each pasta shell with the zucchini and cheese mixture.
- Arrange the stuffed shells in the baking dish on top of the marinara sauce.
- Pour the remaining 1 cup (235 milliliters) of marinara sauce over the stuffed shells.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- Thoroughly remove excess moisture from grated zucchini to prevent a watery filling.
- Enhance the flavor by using homemade marinara sauce instead of store-bought.
- Experiment with different cheeses like fontina or provolone for a unique twist.