Using five cheeses in one dish doesn't usually translate to a dish that's considered light, but this meatless meal is proof that it can be done with great success—and flavor! The shells freeze beautifully, so leftovers are a cinch to save for another quick dinner when you're in a pinch for time. —Lisa Renshaw, Kansas City, Missouri
Five-Cheese Jumbo Shells Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Five-Cheese Jumbo Shells
Five-Cheese Jumbo Shells Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Can you freeze Five-Cheese Jumbo Shells?
Cool unbaked casserole; cover and freeze. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350°. Cover casserole with foil; bake 50 minutes. Uncover; bake 15-20 minutes longer or until heated through and a thermometer inserted in center reads 165°.
Five-Cheese Jumbo Shells
Prep Time
45 min
Cook Time
50 min
Yield
8 servings
Ingredients
- 24 uncooked jumbo pasta shells
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium zucchini, shredded and squeezed dry
- 1/2 pound baby portobello mushrooms, chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups reduced-fat ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Romano cheese
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 jar (24 ounces) meatless spaghetti sauce
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°. Cook shells according to package directions for al dente; drain and rinse in cold water.
- In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add vegetables; cook and stir until tender. Remove from heat. In a bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, provolone and Romano cheeses; stir in egg, seasonings and vegetables.
- Spread 1 cup sauce into a 13x9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Fill pasta shells with cheese mixture; place in baking dish. Top with remaining sauce. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake, covered, 40 minutes. Bake, uncovered, 10 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts
3 stuffed shells: 298 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 642mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1/2 fat.