Lunch: Baked Cheese-Stuffed Shells

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Spinach

Health benefits of Baked Cheese-Stuffed Shells

Spinach is a nutrient-dense leafy green vegetable that is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron, magnesium, and antioxidants. The high iron content in spinach helps combat anemia, which is common in women with PCOS. Magnesium helps reduce inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity. The antioxidants in spinach can help lower oxidative stress, which is beneficial for managing PCOS symptoms. Including spinach in your diet can support overall health and well-being.

Ingredients

Two 12-ounce boxes large shells
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 shallots, minced
2 garlic cloves, minced
One 10-ounce package chopped frozen spinach or Swiss chard, thawed and squeezed dry
2 pounds fresh ricotta cheese (4 cups)
1 pound fresh mozzarella, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1 large egg, lightly beaten
Spicy Tomato Sauce
1/2 cup pitted, sliced kalamata olives

Instructions

In a very large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta shells until al dente; drain well. Rinse under cold water and pat dry thoroughly.
Meanwhile, in a medium skillet, heat the oil. Add the shallots and garlic and cook over moderately high heat until softened and starting to brown, about 1 minute. Add the spinach and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Transfer to a large bowl and let cool. Add the ricotta and half each of the mozzarella and Parmesan to the spinach. Stir in the parsley and nutmeg and season generously with salt and pepper. Stir in the beaten egg.
Preheat the oven to 375°. Spoon about 1/2 cup of the Spicy Tomato Sauce in each of two 9-by-13-inch baking dishes. Stuff each pasta shell with a heaping tablespoon of the ricotta filling. Arrange the stuffed shells in neat rows in the prepared baking dishes. Spoon 2 cups of the Spicy Tomato Sauce over the shells in each dish. Sprinkle the olives and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top of the pasta and bake for about 50 minutes, until golden and bubbling. Let rest for 15 minutes. Serve the baked shells with the remaining tomato sauce on the side.

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