Friday, September 14, 2012

Stuffed Shells

Now that my photography skills are getting better I have decided to redo some of my older recipes.  This is still a fantastic dish that is so easy to make!  You can prepare everything ahead of time and then put in the oven when you get home.  Serve it with a side salad and dinner is ready!

This is one dish that everyone in my family loves.  I mean seriously...pasta, cheese, and sauce how can you go wrong?!?  It just so yummy and so fresh tasting!  The lemon zest adds a nice "pop" to the dish that is amazing!

Mmmmm...look at that pasta goodness!
Pasta, cheese, and sauce....yes please!


Stuffed Shells
Box of Jumbo Shells
Zest of 1 Lemon
1 TBS Olive Oil
1 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
3/4 tsp Salt
1 TBS Minced Garlic
28 oz Can Crushed Tomatoes
14 oz Can Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes
15 oz Container Ricotta Cheese
1 Egg, beaten
1/4 tsp Salt
1 Cup Italian Blend Shredded Cheese
1 Bunch of Chives, chopped
  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and prepare shells as directed for al dente, drain and then set aside to cool (mine was 9 minutes)
  2. While noodles are cooking heat olive oil over medium heat and then add garlic, red pepper flakes, and salt for about 1 minute.  You do not want to brown the garlic.  You just want it to become fragrant
  3. Add tomatoes and heat to a simmer.  Simmer for about 2 minutes and then remove from heat
  4. Combine the ricotta, egg, and salt in a medium bowl.  Once combined add shredded cheese and about 3/4 of the chives.  Mix well
  5. Place the lemon zest in the bottom of a 9x13 pan and place about 1/3 of the sauce over the zest
  6. When shells are cool start spooning the mixture into each shell (about 1 TBS) and then place in single layer rows in the prepared pan
  7. Spoon the remaining sauce over the shells, top with the remaining chives, cover with foil, and bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 30 minutes
  8. Remove foil and place back in the oven for 15 more minutes
Such a burst of great flavor!  This is definitely a great comfort meal and is a family favorite!  Just top with some fresh grated parmesan and you are set.  Yum!

Below is the nutritional value per serving.  This recipe yields approximately 9 servings or about 3 shells per serving.


Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 385 g
Amount Per Serving
Calories
408
Calories from Fat
75
% Daily Value*
Total Fat
8.3g
13%
Saturated Fat
3.4g
17%
Cholesterol
31mg
10%
Sodium
702mg
29%
Total Carbohydrates
69.4g
23%
Dietary Fiber
7.4g
29%
Sugars
3.8g
Protein
19.4g
Vitamin A 43%Vitamin C 49%
Calcium 25%Iron 19%
Nutrition Grade A-
* Based on a 2000 calorie diet

Nutritional Analysis

Good points


4 comments:

  1. This looks so yummy and I've bookmarked it to try! Always on the hunt for new recipes and things to try. New to your blog...thanks for adding to my recipe box.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for the kind words :) These recipe is fantastic! I hope you enjoy it!

      Delete
  2. I have some lasagna noodles cooked and in the freezer. I think I will try this using them, rolled up around the cheese. Good idea, huh? Your sauce looks quite tasty!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am sure that would be great! It's such a simple sauce, but it is so good! Sometimes simple is better ;)

      Delete

What do you think? I'd love to hear from you!