Stuffed pasta with spinach and cheese  ricotta is one of the delicious dishes that combines the rich flavors of cheese with the health benefits of spinach, making it an excellent choice for lunch or dinner. This dish is not only delicious but also a nutritious option, as it contains healthy ingredients that contribute to enhancing your diet. In this article, we will provide you with a detailed recipe for making stuffed shell pasta with spinach and cheese ricotta, step by step, so you can easily prepare this wonderful dish at home.

Ingredients:

• 400 grams shell pasta: Choose a good quality pasta that can hold the filling well.

• 5 tablespoons olive oil: To enhance the flavor of the dish and prevent sticking.

• 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs: To add a crispy and distinct texture.

• 125 ml fresh milk: To facilitate mixing ingredients and achieve a creamy texture.

• 300 grams frozen, drained spinach: Fresh spinach can be used, but frozen spinach offers a more concentrated flavor and convenience.

• 1 cup ricotta cheese: To add a rich and creamy touch.

• Pinch of nutmeg: To add a warm and deep flavor to the dish.

• 400 grams canned tomatoes, drained: To make the basic tomato sauce.

• 1 clove garlic, minced: To add an aromatic flavor.

• Salt and black pepper to taste: For seasoning and flavor balance.

Instructions:

Cooking the pasta:

1. Start by boiling a pot of water with a little salt and a tablespoon of olive oil.

2. Add the shell pasta and cook until slightly tender, but make sure not to cook it completely as we will finish cooking it in the oven later.

3. After cooking, drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Preparing the filling:

1. In a food processor, place the breadcrumbs, milk, and 3 tablespoons of olive oil.

2. Add the drained spinach and ricotta cheese and blend the ingredients until you have a smooth and creamy mixture.

3. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl, then add the nutmeg and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Preparing the sauce:

1. In a small skillet, heat a little olive oil, then add the minced garlic and sauté until golden brown.

2. Add the drained tomatoes to the skillet and simmer over low heat until some of the liquid evaporates and the sauce thickens.

3. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

Stuffing the pasta and assembling the dish:

1. Take a small spoon of the spinach and ricotta filling and fill each shell pasta.

2. In a baking dish, pour the sauce you prepared in the previous step and spread it evenly.

3. Arrange the stuffed pasta shells over the sauce in a neat manner.

Baking in the oven:

1. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in a preheated oven at 180°C.

2. Bake for 20 minutes or until the pasta is cooked through and the top is golden brown and crispy.

Serving:

1. After removing the dish from the oven, let it cool slightly before serving hot.

Additional Tips:

1. Cheese: You can use different types of cheese like mozzarella or Parmesan to add different flavors.

2. Spice: If you prefer a spicier taste, you can add a little red pepper flakes to the sauce.

3. Pasta: Make sure not to overcook the pasta in the first step to ensure it doesn't fall apart while baking.

4. Herbs: You can add various herbs like basil, parsley, or mint to add a fresh flavor and aroma to the dish.

5. Vegetables: You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or grated zucchini to the filling to increase the nutritional value and variety of flavors.

This way, you can enjoy a delicious and easy-to-prepare meal that combines the flavors of cheese and spinach. Be sure to try it in your next meals and enjoy a homemade meal that combines comfort and great taste.

Note: This recipe is suitable for lovers of cheese and spinach-rich foods and is a great option for lunch or dinner, but it may not be suitable for people who are lactose intolerant or those following a gluten-free diet.

Calories and nutritional values:

1. Shell Pasta (400g):

   • Calories: 1400 kcal

   • Protein: 50g

   • Fat: 5g

   • Carbohydrates: 280g

2. Olive Oil (5 tablespoons):

   • Calories: 600 kcal

   • Protein: 0g

   • Fat: 67g

   • Carbohydrates: 0g

3. Fresh Breadcrumbs (1 cup):

   • Calories: 150 kcal

   • Protein: 5g

   • Fat: 1g

   • Carbohydrates: 30g

4. Fresh Milk (125ml):

   • Calories: 60 kcal

   • Protein: 3g

   • Fat: 3g

   • Carbohydrates: 5g

5. Frozen Spinach (300g):

   • Calories: 70 kcal

   • Protein: 8g

   • Fat: 1g

   • Carbohydrates: 10g

   • Rich in iron, vitamins, and minerals essential for blood and bone health. It's also an excellent source of fiber that aids digestion and promotes feelings of fullness.

6. Ricotta Cheese (1 cup):

   • Calories: 300 kcal

   • Protein: 14g

   • Fat: 24g

   • Carbohydrates: 8g

   • A good source of protein and calcium, which support bone and teeth health. It also contains a moderate amount of healthy fats.

7. Tomatoes (400g):

   • Calories: 80 kcal

   • Protein: 4g

   • Fat: 0g

   • Carbohydrates: 18g

8. Garlic clove:

   • Calories: 4 kcal

   • Protein: 0.2g

   • Fat: 0g

   • Carbohydrates: 1g

Estimated Total Nutritional Values:

• Calories: Approximately 2,674 kcal

• Protein: Approximately 80.2g

• Fat: Approximately 100g

• Carbohydrates: Approximately 352g

Please note that these values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. For more accurate calculations, you can use specialized calorie counting tools or consult with a nutritionist.