Cooking for one is a challenge. Normally I don’t mind leftovers because they are great for lunches, but I find myself overrun with leftovers these days. Both in meals and desserts. I am convinced at times my fridge looks like I am feeding a family of 4. I have been freezing as much as I can but at the rate I’ve been going, soon my ice maker will be filled with non-ice items.
Every now and then I run across a single-serving meal that is quick and easy to make, and it immediately goes on my to-make list. This simple yet delicious pasta dish is great for a busy weeknight or when the thought of adding another tupperware full of leftovers to your fridge makes you shudder.
Two years ago: Iced & Spiced Applesauce Cookies
CREAMY RICOTTA SPINACH & SHELLS
Serves 1
Ingredients:
1/2 cup medium whole wheat pasta shells
4 cups chopped spinach
1/2 cup low fat ricotta cheese
2 Tbsp milk
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt, pepper, nutmeg
1/4 cup marinara
2 Tbsp shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions:
- Preheat the broiler. Cook pasta according to package directions, about 7-8 minutes. During the last minute of cook time add in the spinach to let it wilt with the pasta. Drain the pasta/spinach and immediately return to the hot pot. Stir in the ricotta cheese and milk until completely mixed. Season with the garlic powder and salt/nutmeg/pepper to taste. Pour into a ramekin and top with marinara and mozzarella. Cook under the broiler until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Serve hot!
Source: Heather’s Dish
10 comments
My boyfriend is all about quick meals. I think this meal would be a huge surprise because it looks like it takes forever, but can be made so quickly. I’ll have to make this one soon. Thanks Erin!
I almost ALWAYS put spinach in my pasta dishes – a great way to sneak in some extra veggies. all this cheese and the veggies and the sauce – this recipe just works! LOVE the small batch too Erin. You are so good at that!
I have a lot of leftovers too.
My freezer is even worse.
I would love to have a Sub Zero since they have twice the space.
One day when I don’t live in an apartment…
LOVE stuffed shells with spinach. Mmm!
I’m so glad you like it! I make so many of those one-person pastas for lunch or when Nate’s out of town – as much as I like eating them, I hate having leftovers in my fridge!
I make a recipe just like this. But I’ve never added nutmeg! Interesting idea-I’m going to have to try it.
That sounds delicious and just so happens that I have a pot of sauce simmering on the stove for tonights dinner. This will be a welcome change from boring old spaghetti.
This looks delicious! I’m a big fan of spinach in my pasta. Definitely have to try these!
My refrigerator ALWAYS looks like that! Leftovers galore..especially with these winter recipes that make 6 servings in one casserole!
I love this single-serve pasta dish!