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- Jumbo pasta shells - Cooked green or brown lentils - Fresh or frozen spinach - Ricotta cheese - Shredded mozzarella cheese - Grated Parmesan cheese - Marinara sauce - Garlic, minced - Dried oregano - Dried basil - Salt - Pepper - Olive oil

Easy Cheesy Spinach and Lentil Stuffed Shells

Discover the joy of cooking with Easy Cheesy Spinach and Lentil Stuffed Shells, a dish that combines jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy spinach and lentil mixture and topped with melted cheese. This meal is not only a crowd-pleaser but also nutritious, packed with vitamins, minerals, protein, and fiber. Perfect for families, this recipe is simple to follow and can be easily customized to suit your tastes. Enjoy a wholesome, hearty dinner that everyone will love!
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Ingredients
  

12 jumbo pasta shells

1 cup cooked green or brown lentils (canned or homemade)

2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1 clove garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

    Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

      Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked lentils, chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

        Stuff the Shells: Take each jumbo shell and fill it generously with the spinach and lentil filling. Place the filled shells upright in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.

          Add Marinara Sauce: Pour marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, covering them thoroughly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.

            Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (to prevent the cheese from over-browning) and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

              Serve: Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy these delicious stuffed shells with a side salad or some garlic bread!

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

                  20 minutes | 45 minutes | 4 servings