PASTA SHELLS WITH ZUCCHINI & SPINACH

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Pasta Shells With Zucchini & Spinach image

I've taken this dish to pot lucks & served it at many dinner parties........ always received rave reviews. It can be served as the main dish or as a side dish. Personally, I like it pared with Chicken Parmesan & garlic bread. It requires a LOT of preparation (I've estimated the time) but you will not regret it. It can be made in advance & refrigerated or frozen.

Provided by CountryLady

Categories     Pasta Shells

Time 3h

Yield 8-10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 20

1 lb jumbo pasta shells
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup unsalted butter
2 onions, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
3 medium zucchini
1 bunch spinach (about 1/2 lb)
1 lb ricotta cheese
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
2 eggs
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or 1/4 cup basil
1/4 cup unsalted butter or 1/4 cup olive oil
2 onions, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 (28 ounce) cans plum tomatoes, undrained
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • FILLING: Melt butter over medium heat in a large, heavy dutch oven.
  • Add onions& garlic; cook until onions are tender& wilted, stirring occasionally.
  • PREPARE ZUCCHINI: Wash well, taste a bit of the skin from each& peel only if it tastes bitter.
  • Grate& place in a colander in the sink.
  • sprinkle with about 2 tsps of salt& let excess liquid drain for 30 minutes.
  • Rinse with cold water to remove most of the salt& then toss on a clean tea towel (or paper towels) to dry before cooking.
  • Add drained zucchini to dutch oven& cook until any moisture evaporates.
  • PREPARE SPINACH: Wash well& trim off tough stems.
  • Place leaves, with water from washing still clinging to them, in a large pot.
  • Cook for a few minutes or just until leaves have wilted.
  • Let cool, then wring dry in a clean tea towel& chop.
  • Add spinach to the dutch oven and combine thoroughly.
  • Remove from heat& allow the mixture to cool.
  • Drain off excess liquid.
  • Beat eggs in a medium sized bowl; add ricotta& beat until smooth.
  • Add Parmesan and seasonings; mix well.
  • Combine with vegetable mixture in the dutch oven, mix thoroughly; set aside.
  • SAUCE: Melt butter in large, heavy pot; cook onions& garlic until tender and wilted.
  • Add tomatoes, including their liquid, breaking up the tomatoes with a wooden spoon.
  • Cook for 30- 45 minutes or until sauce has thickened.
  • Purée and test for seasonings.
  • Set aside.
  • Pasta: Cook shells in a large pot of salted water, according to package directions until"el dente".
  • Drain well and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking.
  • Using a colander, gently shake shells to drain excess water.
  • Lightly grease a 13 x 9 inch casserole dish.
  • Spoon some of the filling into each shell& arrange, stuffed side up, in the casserole dish.
  • Pour sauce over the shells& sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
  • (If you can only find small shells, just layer them on the bottom of the casserole dish, cover with a layer of filling, a layer of sauce and sprinkle with Parmesan).
  • Bake at 350°F for 40-50 minutes or until heated through and bubbling.

Willowleaf 112
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I can't wait to try this recipe. It looks so delicious!


Ali zaman
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This pasta dish is so good! I would highly recommend it.


Adrian Ortiz
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I'm definitely going to try this recipe again. It's a keeper!


Farhad khan
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This dish is so easy to make, but it looks like it took hours to prepare. Perfect for a special occasion.


Jason
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I love the creamy sauce in this dish. It's so rich and flavorful.


Julius Thompson
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This pasta dish is so light and refreshing. It's perfect for a summer meal.


Qasier Qasierking
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I'm not a big fan of zucchini, but this dish changed my mind. The zucchini is cooked perfectly and it's so flavorful.


BASHARAT HUSSAIN RAATH
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This is my new go-to pasta recipe. It's so quick and easy to make, and it's always a crowd-pleaser.


Harrison Denton
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I made this dish for a party last weekend and it was a hit! Everyone raved about how delicious it was.


saeed anwer
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This is a great way to get my kids to eat their veggies. They love the pasta and the cheesy sauce.


Samuel Iribhogbe
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I love how easy this recipe is to follow. Even my kids can help me make it.


Geet Oad
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This pasta dish was a breeze to make and turned out so flavorful! The combination of zucchini, spinach, and Parmesan cheese is a winner.