Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Pasta Shells: A Delightful Recipe for Your Air Fryer
Pasta lovers, rejoice! Today, we're delving into a delectable dish—Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Pasta Shells, perfectly cooked using an air fryer. This dish combines the richness of ricotta, the healthfulness of spinach, and the heartiness of pasta into a simple yet impressive meal that will leave your guests asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 250g large pasta shells
- 200g fresh spinach
- 250g ricotta cheese
- 50g grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 250ml tomato sauce
- 100g mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F).
- Cook the pasta shells in a pot of boiling salted water until they are al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
- In a skillet, cook the spinach over medium heat until wilted. Allow it to cool, then chop it finely.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, spinach, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff each pasta shell with the ricotta and spinach mixture and place them in a single layer in the air fryer's baking pan.
- Top each shell with a spoonful of tomato sauce and sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the shells.
- Spray with a light coating of olive oil for a crispy finish.
- Air fry the stuffed shells for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve hot and enjoy your delicious creation!
Tips and Tricks
- If you don't have an air fryer, you can bake the stuffed shells in a conventional oven at 180°C (350°F) for 25 minutes.
- For a creamier filling, add a bit of cream cheese to the ricotta mixture.
- You can substitute spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a different flavour profile.
Why Air Fryer for Pasta Shells?
Air frying is a fantastic method for cooking stuffed pasta because it provides a uniformly crispy exterior while keeping the filling soft and creamy. Additionally, it’s a quick and efficient way to create a gourmet dish without the need for excessive oil.
With this recipe, you’re not only enjoying the digestion-friendly greens with ricotta but also indulging in one of Italy's favourite comforts, all with the added benefit of air fryer cooking.
Conclusion
This Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Pasta Shells recipe cooked in an air fryer is perfect for family dinners, a gathering with friends, or any occasion that calls for delectable comfort food. Its simplicity doesn't compromise on flavour, making it a must-try for pasta enthusiasts.