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Sweet Potato, Spinach, and Ricotta Stuffed Pasta Shells

Makes about 24 shells
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • ½ box of dried jumbo pasta shells you need about 24 large shells
  • 2 small sweet potatoes or one big
  • 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1 clove garlic
  • Big handful of frozen or fresh spinach optional (see note)
  • cup tomato sauce
  • cup water
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese more for the top
  • salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • Cook sweet potatoes in the microwave for 5-8 minutes until they are fork tender (flip them half way).  Once cooked, scoop and flesh and spread out on a plate or a larger surface are so that it cools faster.  I put it in the fridge or freezer for a few minutes.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.  Add pasta shells and boil for 4-5 minutes (par-boil), drain.
  • In a large bowl, mix together the cooled sweet potato flesh, ricotta, garlic, parmesan cheese and defrosted/cooked spinach is using.
  • In a separate bowl, mix the tomato sauce with the water.
  • In an 8-by-8” pyrex or baking pan, spread a little sauce at the bottom.  Stuff each shell with some sweet potato mixture and place on top of the sauce in one layer.  Distribute the rest of the sauce over the shells evenly.  Sprinkle a little extra parmesan cheese on top.
  • Bake 350˚F COVERED with foil for 45 minutes, serve hot!

Notes

Makes about 24 shells
If using frozen spinach, all you need to do is defrost it.  I lay the frozen spinach on a plate, it defrosts very fast.  If you are using fresh spinach, chop it, place in a glass bowl with a little water, cover and microwave for a minute, it will cook.  Allow it to cool.