🐚 Ricotta and Spinach Stuffed Pasta Shells in a Rosé Sauce

  • Prep time: 40 mins
  • Cook time: 1 hour
  • Total time: 1 hour and 40 mins
  • Serves: 4 portions
Ingredients Steps
Meatballs
  • 24 jumbo pasta shells
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 12 cups (300 g) baby spinach
  • 1 container (475 g) ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup (70 g) Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 1 pinch ground nutmeg
  1. With the rack in the middle position, preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
  2. Meanwhile, in a pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta until al dente. Drain. Spread the pasta shells out on a clean dishcloth and let dry.
  3. In a wok over medium heat, soften the onion in the oil until translucent. Add a little bit of water as needed to prevent the onions from browning. Add the spinach and cook until wilted. Transfer to a strainer, pressing down to remove any excess liquid. Let cool. On a work surface, chop the spinach.
  4. In a bowl, combine the spinach, ricotta, Parmesan and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well.
  5. Fill each pasta shell with about 2 tbsp of the ricotta mixture. Place the pasta shells over the sauce in the baking dishes, open sides up. Cover the baking dish with foil. Refrigerate at this point, if desired.
  6. Bake for 25 minutes. If desired, broil for 3 to 5 minutes, uncovered, or until browned.
Rosé Sauce
  • 2 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 ½ cups (625 ml) strained tomatoes
  • ½ cup (125 ml) vegetable broth
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 basil sprig
  • ½ cup (125 ml) 15% cooking cream or 35% cream
  1. In a pot over medium heat, soften the garlic in the oil for 2 minutes. Add the strained tomatoes, broth, bay leaf and basil. Bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring regularly. Add the cream and cook for 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove the bay leaf and basil. Set the sauce aside in two baking dishes.
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