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

• High in vitamin A
• High in vitamin C