Spinach and Ricotta Cheese stuffed Pasta
Shells
(Serves 4 - 6)
Ingredients:
16 large pasta shells
Marinara Sauce:
2 tablespoons Olive oil
1 large onion, peeled and finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 tablespoons fresh basil
½ teaspoon dried oregano
28 oz. can crushed
tomatoes
1 small can diced tomatoes
Salt and black pepper
Filling:
1-10 ounce package frozen chopped spinach, thawed
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
1/2 tsp dried oregano or 1 teaspoon fresh
oregano, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
1/2 teaspoon salt
Pepper to taste
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Prepare
marinara sauce: In
a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the
chopped onions. Cook
for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add
the minced garlic, basil and oregano; continue cooking and
stirring for another 3 minutes.
-
Add the canned tomatoes to
the onion mixture with ½ teaspoon salt and freshly ground pepper.
Simmer uncovered for approximately 30 minutes or until thickened.
- Cook shells according to
package directions. Drain and plunge in cold water to stop
cooking. Lay shells upside on kitchen paper to drain.
- Prepare filling: Squeeze the spinach dry
in a clean kitchen towel.
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together
spinach, ricotta cheese, egg, 1/4 cup parmesan, 1/4 cup mozzarella
cheese, oregano, garlic, salt and pepper.
- Spread the bottom of a medium baking dish
with 1/2 cup marinara sauce.
- Using a teaspoon, stuff shells generously
with the spinach/cheese mixture and place in baking dish.
- Pour remaining sauce over the stuffed
shells so that shells are completely covered and sprinkle with the
extra
parmesan and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until heated
through. Allow to stand for 10
minutes before serving.
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