Heart-Healthy Classic Shells and Cheese
Indulge in comfort food without the guilt with this Heart-Healthy Classic Shells and Cheese recipe! Featuring tender whole wheat pasta shells coated in a creamy three-cheese sauce made with low-fat sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and ricotta, this dish is both nutritious and flavorful. The addition of baby spinach, a hint of nutmeg, and a velvety base of low-sodium vegetable broth and skim milk creates a lighter take on a classic favorite. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this wholesome recipe comes together in just 40 minutes and offers a rich, cheesy experience that’s both satisfying and guilt-free. Serve it straight from the pot or broil for a golden, bubbly finish—an inviting twist on a timeless comfort food staple!
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Ingredients
- 12 ounces Whole wheat pasta shells
- 2 cups Low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1.5 cups Skim milk
- 1 cup Low-fat sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 0.25 cup Low-fat ricotta cheese
- 2 cups Baby spinach, chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Whole-wheat flour
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 0.125 teaspoon Nutmeg
Directions
Step 1
1. Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Add a pinch of salt, if desired, then add the whole wheat pasta shells. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2
2. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3
3. Add the whole-wheat flour to the saucepan and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until it forms a paste. Be careful not to let it brown.
Step 4
4. Gradually whisk in the low-sodium vegetable broth and skim milk, ensuring there are no lumps, to create a smooth sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 5
5. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, and slowly incorporate the low-fat sharp cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and ricotta cheese, stirring constantly until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is creamy.
Step 6
6. Stir in chopped baby spinach, allowing it to wilt in the sauce. Season with ground black pepper and a dash of nutmeg for added flavor.
Step 7
7. Add the cooked pasta shells to the sauce and gently mix until the shells are well-coated with the cheese sauce.
Step 8
8. Serve immediately, or transfer the mixture to a baking dish and place under a preheated broiler for 2-3 minutes for a golden, crispy top. Serve warm and enjoy your heart-healthy classic shells and cheese!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1576.1g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2218.6 |
| Total Fat 55.2g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 24.0g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g | |
| Cholesterol 122.2mg | 0% |
| Sodium 2301.7mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 301.0g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 25.5g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 28.0g | |
| Protein 128.6g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 185.0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 2335.9mg | 0% |
| Iron 17.3mg | 0% |
| Potassium 2824.5mg | 0% |
Source of Calories