Go Back

One Pot Cheesy Kale Baked Shells

This ultra cheesy dish is cooked right in its sauce and gets a nutritional boost from kale. It's the ultimate weeknight dinner.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian, Indian

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsps olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 660 ml passata
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 tsp oregano
  • 500 g shells
  • 1 cup chopped frozen kale
  • 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup parmesan cheese, divided
  • 2 cups mozzarella, divided
  • 3-4 fresh basil leaves, chopped

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet or pot over high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the onion and cook until fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic, cook another minute.
  3. Stir in the passata, 2 1/2 cups water, red pepper flakes, oregano and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Then add the pasta. The key is to be sure all the pasta is covered in the liquid so add a bit of water if needed. Increase the heat to medium-high. Bring the mixture to a boil. Stir frequently until the pasta is al dente, about 8-10 minutes. 
  4. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the ricotta, 1/2 cup parmesan and 1 1/2 cups mozzarella and kale. If needed, tranfer to baking dish and sprinkle the top with remaining parmesan and mozzarella.
  5. Transfer the baking dish to the oven and bake 20-25 minutes or until the cheese has melted and is lightly browned on top. Before serving, cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with some chopped basil and enjoy.