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homemade One Pot Spinach Broccoli Ricotta Stuffed Shells. photo
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One Pot Spinach Broccoli Ricotta Stuffed Shells.

Comforting one-pot pasta with broccoli, spinach, and a creamy ricotta-cheese sauce.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 pound jumbo pasta shells
  • 3 cups chopped broccoli
  • 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
  • 2 cups shredded spicy cheddar or white cheddar cheese
  • 1.5 cups shredded provolone
  • 4 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese (or cream cheese or mascarpone)
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
  • 0.5 cup fresh chopped basil
  • 1-2 tablespoons lemon zest
  • salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a large pot over high heat.
  • Add 1½ teaspoons salt, the jumbo pasta shells, and the chopped broccoli to the boiling water.
  • Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 8 minutes until pasta is al dente and broccoli is tender; do not drain the pot.
  • Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk.
  • Add shredded cheddar, shredded provolone, and ricotta, stirring until the cheeses melt and form a creamy sauce.
  • Stir in the baby spinach, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and chipotle chili powder until the spinach wilts and ingredients are evenly combined.
  • Remove the pot from the heat and fold in the chopped basil and lemon zest. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
  • If the sauce is too thick, thin with up to an additional ¼ cup milk until you reach the desired consistency.
  • Divide the pasta and broccoli between bowls and serve immediately, topping with extra basil or lemon zest if desired.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • colander (optional)

Notes

  • Use whole milk for a lighter sauce or heavy cream for richer results.
  • Substitute mascarpone or cream cheese for ricotta if preferred.
  • Adjust chipotle chili powder to control heat.
  • Do not drain the cooking water; it helps create the sauce.