I am so excited about this first post. I love sharing great recipes and hope everyone enjoys them as much as I do. One thing I hate about some food sites is that they are vague about their directions. I want to give step by step directions, with photos, to make cooking fun and easy, not confusing.
6oz. (aprox 18) Large pasta shells
1 jar Marinara sauce
1 Egg
1 (15oz.) pkg. Ricotta cheese
2 c. Mozzarella cheese
3/4 c. Parmesean cheese
1/4 c. Frozen spinach
This is a super easy recipe that is a huge hit with my family. You can easily double or half the recipe to fit your needs.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and start boiling your pasta.
I like to start by draining my spinach. I usually use 1/3 of a frozen brick . It is not an exact measurement. You can always add more or less. I take my piece and put it in between two paper towels.
I then wrap it in a kitchen towel and give it a couple of squeezes.
Unwrap and set aside.
In a large bowl, beat one egg.
Stir in ricotta.
Add about 1 3/4 cup of mozzerella and 1/2 cup of parmesean cheese. Set aside the rest of the cheese. You will add it to the top of the shells right before you throw it in the oven. Mix well.
Mix in your spinach.
Drain your pasta. I like to lay them out on a towel for a minute or so. If you don't work fast, your pasta will become gummy and will wind up chewy after you cook it in the oven.
I then get everything set up to fill the shells. Spray your dish with a little non-stick spray or you will be trying to clean it for days.
Gently open up the shell.
Using a spoon, fill the shell with filling.
Place shells in your dish.
Pour sauce over shells. I use a jar sauce that I "doctor" up a bit. I haven't tried to make my own sauce, but I am dying to. If anyone has a good recipe for a homemade sauce, please send it my way.
Sprinkle remaining cheese on top. I have been guilty of adding even more cheese at times. In our house, cheese makes everything better.
Throw in the oven for 25-30 minutes until sauce is bubbly.
Serve and enjoy!
Punky approved!!
This recipe is also great for freezing. I just put the stuffed shells in a freezer bag and throw them in the freezer. It is great to pull out a few if I need a quick lunch or a small dinner when it is just Punky and I.
