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High Protein Stuffed Shells

Creamy High-Protein Stuffed Shells Recipe

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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 780
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz jumbo pasta shells
  • 1 lb ground chicken (93% lean)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper
  • 15 oz part-skim ricotta cheese
  • 10 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 2 cups marinara sauce

Method
 

  1. Cook the shells in salted boiling water until just al dente; drain and set aside. Sauté the chicken with garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until cooked through, then cool slightly.
  2. In a large bowl, mix the ricotta, spinach, egg, 3/4 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, and the chicken mixture. Season to taste.
  3. Spread half the marinara in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Stuff each shell with about 2 tablespoons of filling and place open-side up in the sauce.
  4. Top with remaining marinara, the rest of the mozzarella, and extra Parmesan. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake 10 to 12 minutes more until bubbly.
  5. Let the dish rest 5 minutes, then top with fresh basil and more Parmesan before serving.

Notes

If you assemble the dish ahead, refrigerate unbaked for up to 24 hours, then bake from cold adding 10 minutes to the covered bake time. The shells need a 5-minute rest after baking so the filling sets.