Stuffed Shells with Kale: Kid Friendly
January 23, 2013
Who else is really into kale? I am, and it’s awesome that my 3 kids love it too. Not only is it so healthy, but it is very inexpensive and a lot goes such a long way. This recipe for Stuffed Shells with Kale is one of my newest favorites and was inspired by my friend, Kelley of Mountain Mama Cooks. I saw it on her blog, and I made it right away. My kids loved the recipe too so it goes on our family favorites list. Feel free to add other vegetables, beef or sausage, to change it up a bit. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or even Valentines Day!
Stuffed Shells with Kale
Prep:
20 minutes
Cook:
40 minutes
Yield:
Serve 8
Ingredients
1/4 cup olive oil
1 medium eggplant, diced (4 cups)
1/2 cup small onion, diced (about 1/2 small)
3 cups fresh kale leaves, chopped
1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
24 jumbo pasta shells, cooked
2 cups marinara sauce
11/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Freshly chopped basil (optional)
1 medium eggplant, diced (4 cups)
1/2 cup small onion, diced (about 1/2 small)
3 cups fresh kale leaves, chopped
1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
24 jumbo pasta shells, cooked
2 cups marinara sauce
11/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Freshly chopped basil (optional)
Preparation
1. Preheat oven to 375F.
2. In a large nonstick skillet heat oil over medium-high heat. Cook eggplant and onion 5 to 7 minutes or until tender. Add kale and cook 5 more minutes or until slightly wilted. Set aside and let cool.
3. In a large bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, basil, salt and pepper. Add to eggplant mixture, mixing well.
4. Divide kale filling among shells and place in lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish. Spread with marinara sauce and sprinkle with cheese. Cover and bake 30 minutes. Uncover and broil 3 to 4 minutes or until lightly browned. Top with fresh basil, if desired. Serve warm.
2. In a large nonstick skillet heat oil over medium-high heat. Cook eggplant and onion 5 to 7 minutes or until tender. Add kale and cook 5 more minutes or until slightly wilted. Set aside and let cool.
3. In a large bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, basil, salt and pepper. Add to eggplant mixture, mixing well.
4. Divide kale filling among shells and place in lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish. Spread with marinara sauce and sprinkle with cheese. Cover and bake 30 minutes. Uncover and broil 3 to 4 minutes or until lightly browned. Top with fresh basil, if desired. Serve warm.
12 Responses to “Stuffed Shells with Kale: Kid Friendly”
January, 24 2013at 08:31 am
Kid and adult friendly! I love it! I am going to have to try this out on my niece!
January, 23 2013at 10:20 pm
I love coming across a great vegetarian recipe that not only sounds delicious, but is easy to make. Plus, I have yet to cook with kale but have been wanting to try it. This sounds like a great way to give it a try. Thanks for sharing :).
Jessica says:
January, 23 2013at 10:12 pm
Wow! I really want to try this soon. I love any way to add more veggies into dinner!
Tracy says:
January, 23 2013at 11:18 am
LOVE THIS Alison! You inspire every day
Averie @ Averie Cooks says:
January, 23 2013at 01:27 pm
I love that your kids are into kale. My whole family is, too. My hubs told me last nite he wants to start juicing again...with kale!
January, 23 2013at 06:07 pm
I wish my kids were as into kale and Pete and I are. They're still young so hopefully as they get older. I love the recipe so much, thanks for sharing!!
William says:
January, 23 2013at 11:17 am
Tonights dinner! Thank you girl!
January, 24 2013at 09:03 am
Stuffed shells were always my favorite growing up. I can't wait to try this kale version and eventually have Liam try it! :D
Kiersten @ Oh My Veggies says:
January, 24 2013at 09:06 am
I am on a huge kale kick lately. This is going on my must-make list!
Aggie says:
January, 24 2013at 12:19 pm
Oh I love this Alison!! I'm always thinking of new ways to get in some kale! Yum!