Best 3 Pasta Shells With Zucchini Spinach Recipes

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**Unveiling a Symphony of Flavors: Pasta Shells with Zucchini, Spinach, and a Trio of Sauces**

Embark on a culinary journey with our delectable Pasta Shells with Zucchini, Spinach, and a Trio of Sauces. This tantalizing dish combines the vibrant flavors of fresh zucchini and spinach with the comforting embrace of pasta shells, creating a symphony of textures and tastes. Elevate your dining experience with three distinct sauces: a creamy pesto sauce bursting with basil and pine nut aromas, a tangy tomato sauce infused with herbs and spices, and a rich Alfredo sauce that adds a luxurious touch. Each sauce brings its own unique character, offering a versatile range of flavors to suit every palate. Whether you prefer the vibrant green of the pesto sauce, the classic red of the tomato sauce, or the creamy indulgence of the Alfredo sauce, this dish promises an unforgettable culinary adventure.

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

CREAMY ZUCCHINI AND SPINACH PASTA BAKE



Creamy Zucchini and Spinach Pasta Bake image

Enjoy Italian fare at home with our Creamy Zucchini and Spinach Pasta Bake! You'll love the taste of this spinach pasta bake and how easy it is to make.

Provided by My Food and Family

Categories     Home

Time 1h

Yield 12 servings, about 1 cup each

Number Of Ingredients 9

3 cups cavatappi, uncooked
1 onion, chopped
2 zucchini, cut lengthwise in half, then sliced crosswise
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1 pkg. (6 oz.) baby spinach leaves
1 jar (24 oz.) CLASSICO Marinara with Plum Tomatoes & Olive Oil Pasta Sauce
1 container (15 oz.) ricotta cheese
1 tsp. dried Italian seasoning
1 pkg. (8 oz.) KRAFT Shredded Mozzarella Cheese with a TOUCH OF PHILADELPHIA, divided

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 375°F.
  • Cook pasta in large saucepan as directed on package, omitting salt.
  • Meanwhile, cook and stir onions in large nonstick skillet on medium heat 3 to 4 min. or until crisp-tender. Add zucchini and mushrooms; cook 3 to 4 min. or until zucchini is crisp-tender, stirring frequently. Add half the spinach; cook 2 to 3 min. or just until wilted. Repeat with remaining spinach. Remove from heat.
  • Drain pasta. Add to vegetable mixture in skillet along with the pasta sauce, ricotta, Italian seasoning and 1 cup mozzarella; mix lightly.
  • Spoon into 13x9-inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray; top with remaining mozzarella.
  • Bake 20 to 25 min. or until casserole is heated through and mozzarella is melted.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 230, Fat 10 g, SaturatedFat 5 g, TransFat 0 g, Cholesterol 30 mg, Sodium 320 mg, Carbohydrate 0 g, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 0 g, Protein 13 g

SHELLS WITH CRISPY PANCETTA AND SPINACH



Shells with Crispy Pancetta and Spinach image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Categories     main-dish

Time 50m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 (12-ounce) package jumbo shells pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 pound thick-cut pancetta, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
2 pounds frozen spinach, thawed and drained
1 (15-ounce) container whole milk ricotta
1 cup grated asiago cheese
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1 tablespoon butter
1 garlic clove, minced
1 cup cream
2 cups grated asiago cheese, plus 1/4 cup
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
  • For the shells:
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain pasta.
  • Warm the olive oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium heat. Add the pancetta and cook until lightly golden, about 5 minutes. Remove the pancetta from the pan with a slotted spoon and transfer to a large bowl. Add the spinach, ricotta cheese, asiago cheese, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir to combine. Stuff the shells with about 2 tablespoons of the spinach mixture each and place the stuffed shells in a large, buttered baking dish.
  • For the sauce:
  • Melt the butter in a medium saucepan. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the cream and bring to a simmer. Turn the heat to very low and add the 2 cups asiago cheese, parsley, and pepper. Stir until the cheese is dissolved. Pour the sauce over the shells. Top with the remaining 1/4 cup asiago cheese. Bake until golden on top, about 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and serve immediately.

CHEESY SPINACH-STUFFED SHELLS



Cheesy Spinach-Stuffed Shells image

This is my own personal recipe. I'm very proud of it because I am still a beginner cook and it was the first recipe I created. You can adjust it to your liking by doubling the spinach or adding some meat. -Laci Hooten, McKinney, Texas

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h30m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 package (12 ounces) jumbo pasta shells
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 small onion, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 carton (15 ounces) part-skim ricotta cheese
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
2 tablespoons minced fresh basil or 2 teaspoons dried basil
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 can (4-1/4 ounces) chopped ripe olives
1-1/2 cups shredded Italian cheese blend, divided
1-1/2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
Additional minced fresh basil, optional

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375°. Cook pasta shells according to package directions for al dente. Drain; rinse with cold water., Meanwhile, in a small skillet, heat butter over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and onion; cook and stir until vegetables are tender, 4-6 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Remove from heat; cool slightly., In a large bowl, mix eggs, ricotta cheese, spinach, basil and pepper. Stir in olives, mushroom mixture and 3/4 cup each cheese blend and mozzarella cheese., Spread 1 cup sauce into a 13x9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Fill pasta shells with cheese mixture; place in baking dish, overlapping ends slightly. Spoon remaining sauce over top., Bake, covered, until heated through, 40-45 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with remaining cheeses. Bake until cheese is melted, about 5 minutes longer. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. If desired, sprinkle with additional basil.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 313 calories, Fat 13g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 65mg cholesterol, Sodium 642mg sodium, Carbohydrate 32g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

Tips:

  • Use fresh ingredients: Fresh zucchini and spinach will give your pasta dish the best flavor and texture.
  • Don't overcook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package directions, but be careful not to overcook it. Overcooked pasta will be mushy and bland.
  • Sauté the vegetables until tender: Sauté the zucchini and spinach in a little olive oil until they are tender, but still have a little bit of a bite to them.
  • Use a good quality cheese: The cheese you use will make a big difference in the flavor of your dish. Use a hard cheese like Parmesan or Romano, or a soft cheese like ricotta or mozzarella.
  • Season to taste: Be sure to season your dish to taste with salt and pepper. You can also add other herbs and spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning.

Conclusion:

Pasta shells with zucchini and spinach is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. It is also a great way to get your kids to eat their vegetables. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful and nutritious meal that the whole family will enjoy.

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