SPINACH AND CHEESE MANICOTTI WITH MEAT SAUCE RECIPES

Name: Cheesy Spinach-Stuffed Shells
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Yield: 12 servings.
Cuisine: Europe, Italian
Ingredients: 1 package (12 ounces) jumbo pasta shells; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 cup sliced mushrooms; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 2 large eggs, lightly beaten; 1 carton (15 ounces) part-skim ricotta cheese; 1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry; 2 tablespoons minced fresh basil or 2 teaspoons dried basil; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 1 can (4-1/4 ounces) chopped ripe olives; 1-1/2 cups shredded Italian cheese blend, divided; 1-1/2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided; 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce; Additional minced fresh basil, optional

CHEESY SPINACH-STUFFED SHELLS RECIPE: HOW TO MAKE IT

Cheesy Spinach-Stuffed Shells Recipe: How to Make It image

This is my own personal recipe. I'm very proud of it because I am still a beginner cook and it was the first recipe I created. You can adjust it to your liking by doubling the spinach or adding some meat. —Laci Hooten, McKinney, Texas

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Total Time 01 hours 30 minutes

Prep Time 45 minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 15

Ingredients

1 package (12 ounces) jumbo pasta shells
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 small onion, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 carton (15 ounces) part-skim ricotta cheese
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
2 tablespoons minced fresh basil or 2 teaspoons dried basil
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 can (4-1/4 ounces) chopped ripe olives
1-1/2 cups shredded Italian cheese blend, divided
1-1/2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
Additional minced fresh basil, optional

Steps:

Preheat oven to 375°. Cook pasta shells according to package directions for al dente. Drain; rinse with cold water., Meanwhile, in a small skillet, heat butter over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and onion; cook and stir until vegetables are tender, 4-6 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Remove from heat; cool slightly., In a large bowl, mix eggs, ricotta cheese, spinach, basil and pepper. Stir in olives, mushroom mixture and 3/4 cup each cheese blend and mozzarella cheese., Spread 1 cup sauce into a 13x9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Fill pasta shells with cheese mixture; place in baking dish, overlapping ends slightly. Spoon remaining sauce over top., Bake, covered, until heated through, 40-45 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with remaining cheeses. Bake until cheese is melted, about 5 minutes longer. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. If desired, sprinkle with additional basil.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 313 calories, FatContent 13g fat (7g saturated fat), CholesterolContent 65mg cholesterol, SodiumContent 642mg sodium, CarbohydrateContent 32g carbohydrate (5g sugars, FiberContent 3g fiber), ProteinContent 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges 2 starch