Five-Cheese Jumbo Shells

Name: Five-Cheese Jumbo Shells
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Yield: 8 servings.
Ingredients: 24 uncooked jumbo pasta shells; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium zucchini, shredded and squeezed dry; 1/2 pound baby portobello mushrooms, chopped; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 2 cups reduced-fat ricotta cheese; 1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese; 1/2 cup grated Romano cheese; 1 large egg, lightly beaten; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 1 jar (24 ounces) meatless spaghetti sauce; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 45 min. Bake: 50 min. + standing YIELD: 8 servings.

Using five cheeses in one dish doesn't usually translate to a dish that's considered light, but this meatless meal is proof that it can be done with great success—and flavor! The shells freeze beautifully, so leftovers are a cinch to save for another quick dinner when you're in a pinch for time. —Lisa Renshaw, Kansas City, Missouri

Ingredients

24 uncooked jumbo pasta shells
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium zucchini, shredded and squeezed dry
1/2 pound baby portobello mushrooms, chopped
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cups reduced-fat ricotta cheese
1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese
1/2 cup grated Romano cheese
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 jar (24 ounces) meatless spaghetti sauce
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Cook shells according to package directions for al dente; drain and rinse in cold water.
2. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add vegetables; cook and stir until tender. Remove from heat. In a bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, provolone and Romano cheeses; stir in egg, seasonings and vegetables.
3. Spread 1 cup sauce into a 13x9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Fill pasta shells with cheese mixture; place in baking dish. Top with remaining sauce. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
4. Bake, covered, 40 minutes. Bake, uncovered, 10 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

3 stuffed shells: 298 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 642mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1/2 fat.