Ricotta & Spinach Stuffed Pasta Shells with Chicken
This delightful dish is perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner. Loaded with rich ricotta and fluffy cottage cheese, these jumbo pasta shells are a true crowd-pleaser. I've tailored this recipe to enhance flavors, featuring a creamy spinach filling and tender chicken that pairs beautifully with a tangy tomato sauce. For those looking to make it vegetarian, simply omit the chicken for an equally satisfying meal. Finding the right-sized pasta shells can be a quest, but the Conchiglioni 87/b by Divella will make your dish stand out. Whether you're entertaining or enjoying a hearty meal at home, this recipe guarantees satisfaction.
6
Servings
400
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
jumbo pasta shells
300 g (par-cooked (for 3 minutes in boiling water))
skinless chicken breasts
500 g (cut into bite-sized pieces)
spinach
500 g (washed and wilted in the microwave)
ricotta cheese
250 g (plain)
cottage cheese
500 g (plain)
pasta sauce
700 ml (preferably Arrabiata)
vegetable stock
500 ml (prepared)
parmesan cheese
50 g (grated)
basil leaves
1/2 cup (torn, for garnish)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 180°F (160°C). If using a NuWave Oven, set it for 45 minutes.
2
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook for 3 minutes until par-cooked. Drain the shells and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool slightly.
3
While the pasta cools, prepare a baking dish by brushing it with a little oil or using a non-stick spray. A shallow 8-cup ovenproof dish or individual ramekins works great.
4
In a microwave-safe bowl, microwave the spinach for 1-2 minutes until just wilted. Remove, drain excess water, and chop finely, ensuring to squeeze out any remaining liquid.
5
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, and cottage cheese. Mix well until creamy and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6
Carefully spoon or pipe the filling into each par-cooked pasta shell. You can use a plastic bag with the corner cut off for easy filling.
7
In another bowl, mix the pasta sauce with the vegetable stock until well combined. Pour this mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even layer.
8
Arrange the stuffed shells on top of the sauce, placing pieces of skinless chicken around them if using. Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese generously over the entire dish.
9
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 1 hour. Remove from the oven, uncover, and let rest for 5-10 minutes. Before serving, scatter torn basil leaves on top for a fresh finish.
Nutrition Information
12 g
Fat
43 g
Carbs
26 g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this pasta dish?
The dish is Ricotta & Spinach Stuffed Pasta Shells with Chicken.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
How many calories are in each serving?
There are 400 calories per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains 26 g of protein.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each serving contains 12 g of fat.
What is the carbohydrate count for this meal?
There are 43 g of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I make a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes, you can easily make it vegetarian by omitting the chicken.
What specific pasta shells are recommended?
The recipe recommends using Conchiglioni 87/b by Divella.
How long should I par-cook the jumbo pasta shells?
Par-cook the shells in boiling salted water for 3 minutes.
What is the required oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 180°F (160°C).
Can I use a NuWave oven for this dish?
Yes, if using a NuWave oven, set it for 45 minutes.
How do I prepare the spinach for the filling?
Microwave the spinach for 1-2 minutes until wilted, drain, chop finely, and squeeze out excess liquid.
What ingredients make up the shell filling?
The filling consists of chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, and cottage cheese seasoned with salt and pepper.
What is the easiest way to fill the pasta shells?
You can spoon the filling in or use a plastic bag with the corner cut off to pipe it into the shells.
What ingredients are combined for the sauce layer?
Mix the pasta sauce with vegetable stock until well combined.
How should the baking dish be prepared?
Prepare the dish by brushing it with oil or using a non-stick spray.
How long does the dish need to bake?
The dish should be baked for about 1 hour.
Why should I rinse the pasta shells in cold water?
Rinsing the par-cooked shells under cold water stops the cooking process.
What kind of chicken is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for skinless chicken breasts.
How should the chicken be prepared before adding it to the dish?
The chicken should be cut into bite-sized pieces.
What garnish is added before serving?
Scatter torn basil leaves on top for a fresh finish.
Which cheese is sprinkled on top of the shells?
Grated parmesan cheese is sprinkled generously over the dish.
How long should the dish rest after baking?
Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A shallow 8-cup ovenproof dish is recommended.
How many total ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 9 main ingredients in this recipe.
Is this considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is specifically described and tagged as a comfort food.
Can I use individual ramekins for this recipe?
Yes, individual ramekins can be used instead of one large baking dish.
Should the dish be covered while baking?
Yes, cover the dish with aluminum foil during the baking process.
Is this recipe considered easy to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe.
What type of pasta sauce is preferred for this recipe?
Arrabiata sauce is the preferred choice for this dish.