Pumpkin, spinach & ricotta stuffed shells

This tasty and delicious recipe combines pasta and cheese, so it is hard to go wrong! It is not only a delicious vegetarian option that the whole family will love it is also high in fibre, protein and calcium.

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Pumpkin, spinach & ricotta stuffed shells

Course: Main Course

Keyword: Diabetes Friendly, Heart Healthy, High Calcium, Vegetarian

Servings: 4 - 6

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 750 g Pumpkin peeled, cut into 2.5cm pieces
• 250 g frozen chopped spinach thawed, excess liquid squeezed out
• 300 g ricotta cheese
• 2 cloves garlic peeled and crushed (2 tsp)
• 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves finely chopped (2 tsp dried)
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (1 tsp dried thyme)
• 700 g passata sauce
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
• 250 g jumbo pasta shells (or cannelloni tubes)
• Salad or vegetables to serve

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 180 degrees celsius. Line 1-2 baking trays with baking paper and place pumpkin on trays in a single layer. Coat with extra virgin olive oil, basil, garlic and thyme. Bake in the oven for 40 minutes or until tender. Set aside and allow to cool slightly.
• Meanwhile cook the pasta shells according to packet instructions or until al dente. Once cooked drain and rinse under cold water. (note: the pasta will continue to cook slightly later in the oven so the past should be slightly undercooked at this stage). If using cannelloni tubes skip this step.
• Once pumpkin has cooled, place in a large bowl and mash. Add the ricotta and spinach and mix well to combine.
• Gently spread 1/2 cup passata sauce over the base of a medium baking dish. Then using a small spoon gently fill the pasta shells or cannelloni tubes with the pumpkin mixture and place gently, in a single layer into the baking dish.
• Pour the remaining passata sauce over the top of the stuffed shells or cannelloni and sprinkle with the mozzarella cheese.
• Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for a further 10 minutes or until cheese is golden.
• Serve alone or with salad or vegetables or a more filling meal.
• Enjoy!