Description
One Pot Unstuffed Shells is a delightful twist on a classic Italian dish that marries the comforting flavors of stuffed shells without the fuss of individual stuffing. This easy, creamy pasta dish combines large pasta shells with a rich tomato sauce, savory ground meat, and gooey cheese all cooked together in one pot. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this recipe allows for customization based on your preferences?add veggies like spinach or switch up the protein to suit your taste. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, it?s sure to become a go-to favorite in your household.
Ingredients
12 ounces large pasta shells
1 pound ground beef or turkey
24 ounces tomato sauce
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional: 2 cups fresh spinach
Instructions
1. In a large skillet, brown the ground meat over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary.
2. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add tomato sauce and uncooked pasta shells; stir gently to combine.
4. Pour in 2 cups of water and season with salt and Italian herbs. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes until pasta is tender.
5. Remove from heat and fold in ricotta cheese, then top with mozzarella. Cover again until cheese is melted.
Notes
For added nutrition, incorporate chopped vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
You can also substitute ground meat with lentils or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 420
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 25g