Eggplant & Spinach Stuffed Shells

I don't know why I think it is a good idea to invite family and friends over whenever I try new recipes.  What if they don't turn out?  I did it again when I tried out my Eggplant and Spinach Stuffed Shells.  I promised that we could order pizza if they didn't turn out.  Luckily, we didn't have to do that.  They were actually quite yummy!

Even the girls ate them, despite the fact that they were stuffed with spinach and eggplant.  They are pretty good about eating veggies if they are mixed in with other things. 

Cheese is always a good thing to mix with veggies too!  These stuffed shells were pretty quick to prepare and could easily be made ahead of time.  Have them ready in the fridge and then throw them in the oven when it is time to make dinner.  Serve with a side salad and some bread and dinner is served!

Egglplant & Spinach Stuffed Shells
by Love Bug Living

2T. olive oil
1 medium eggplant, diced
3 cups chopped fresh spinach leaves
1 1/2 cups part skim ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan
24 jumbo pasta shells, cooked
2 cups marinara sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella

Preheat oven to 375 F.  Coat a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.  Add eggplant and cook for 5-7 minutes or until tender.  Add spinach and cook 5 minutes or until slightly wilted.  Remove pan from heat.  Set aside to cool.

To make the filling, combine ricotta, parmesan, salt and pepper to taste.  Add eggplant mixture and mix to combine.

Spoon filling evenly into shells and place in your baking dish.  Pour marinara over the top of your stuffed shells.  Sprinkle with mozzarella.  Cover dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.  Uncover baking dish and broil 3-4 minutes or until cheese is lightly browned.  Makes 8 servings.

Hope you and your family likes these Eggplant & Spinach Stuffed Shells as much as mine did.  We will difinitely be making these again.  I love dishes that incorporate our servings of veggies into the main dish.  It is always so much easier to get the kids (and adults) to eat them that way!