Are you tired of takeout and searching for quick dinner ideas? Do you crave delicious, healthy meals without spending hours in the kitchen? Then you've come to the right place! This blog post offers fantastic vegetarian freezer meal recipes, perfect for busy weeknights. These easy recipes are not only simple to make but also incredibly satisfying, proving that homemade cooking doesn't have to be complicated. Let's dive into these healthy meals that you can prepare in advance and enjoy whenever the craving strikes!
Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
This classic dish is a fantastic example of a make-ahead meal that tastes even better the second time around! It's bursting with flavor and delivers a hearty, satisfying experience. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, and it's one of the best recipes for those busy days.
Ingredients:
- 1 (15 ounce) package jumbo pasta shells
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta: Cook pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, squeezed spinach, Parmesan cheese, basil, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Stuff the shells: Gently stuff each cooked pasta shell with the ricotta mixture.
- Assemble and freeze: Spread half of the marinara sauce in the bottom of a large freezer-safe dish (9x13 inch). Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer over the sauce. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells.
- Freeze: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Bake: When ready to eat, preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the dish from the freezer and let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.
Cooking Tips:
- For even cooking, ensure the shells are fully submerged in boiling water while cooking.
- Don't overfill the shells; this will make them prone to bursting during baking.
- If you're short on time, you can use jarred marinara sauce instead of homemade.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):**
- Calories: Approximately 350
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
Variations:
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a touch of heat.
- Substitute mushrooms for some of the spinach for added earthy flavor.
- Use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or provolone.
This spinach and ricotta stuffed shells recipe is a simple, delicious, and healthy addition to your freezer meal repertoire. It's one of those easy recipes that everyone will love, and it's perfect for a quick and satisfying vegetarian meal any time! Enjoy!