Stuffed Shells

Sin-fully delicious. I did this recipe once upon a time with whipped cottage cheese, but this version with the (home-made) ricotta is far superior. Serve 3 - 4 shells each with a light side salad.

Stuffed Shells

adapted from Healthy Food for Living
makes 4 servings

Ingredients:

2 cups ricotta cheese (recipe here)
1 Tbs. butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
9 oz. fresh spinach (4 cups tightly packed)
1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
1/4 t. salt
1/4 t. pepper
1 t. Italian seasoning
1 1/2 cup marinara sauce, divided
1 cup shredded mozzarella

16 jumbo shells

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. Bring a pot of water to boil. Add shells, and cook for 10 minutes (until al dente), then strain and set aside.
3. Heat butter in a skillet on medium heat, then add garlic and saute for 30 sec. Add all spinach, and cook until all spinach is wilted, stirring often.
4. In a bowl, combine whipped cottage cheese, sauteed spinach, salt, pepper, Italian seasonings, egg, and Parmesan cheese. Combine well.
5. In a cake pan, spread 1/2 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom.
6. Take a shell, open up (like a coin purse), and fill with the cottage cheese mixture. When stuffed, place into cake pan. Repeat process until all shells are filled. Cover with remaining marinara sauce, and sprinkle the mozzarella over the top.
7. Bake for 35 mins.