These veggie stuffed shells are packed with hearty vegetables, creamy cheese and smothered in delicious garlic Ragu Homestyle Pasta Sauce.  They’re so good, even the meat eaters will be asking for seconds! 

Gather Around: Crafting Unforgettable Family Dinners with Veggie Stuffed Shells and Ragu Homestyle Sauce

The spirit of gathering, whether around a television to watch the world unite in athletic prowess or around a dinner table for a cherished family meal, resonates deeply within us. Like many, I find myself captivated by the Olympic Games, fully engaged and inspired by the incredible talent on display. From the breathtaking twists and turns of gymnastics – my absolute favorite – to the synchronized precision of swimmers, every sport fills me with awe. Witnessing these athletes achieve greatness, representing their countries with pride, creates a sense of shared joy and national pride.

My admiration for the Olympics traces back to childhood, when I dreamt of gracing that hallowed floor, twisting and turning in glory for my country. While that particular dream didn’t materialize, the indelible memories of those times remain vivid. I recall sitting with my family, dinner plates balanced on our laps, eyes glued to the screen. The collective “oohs” and “aahs” would echo through the room as we watched in astonishment, marveling at the seamless routines and daring dives that unfolded before us. These moments weren’t just about the sport; they were about shared experiences, connecting with loved ones, and creating traditions.

The Heart of the Home: The Enduring Tradition of Family Dinner

Above all else, it’s the tradition of family dinner that I aspire to instill in my own children. It’s a sacred time for us to collectively pause the demands of our busy lives, reconnect with one another, and weave the fabric of our family identity. This daily ritual is more than just eating; it’s an opportunity to truly be a family, sharing stories, laughter, and quality time over a delicious meal. Just as the diverse teams in the Olympics come together from myriad backgrounds, the importance of dinner time is a universal constant across every heritage. Despite our individual differences, we can all agree on the profound significance of this meal and our collective desire to preserve it for generations to come.

In celebration of this cherished tradition, and the rich values we hold dear, I’ve partnered with Ragu to bring you the ultimate comfort dish. Using their new Homestyle pasta sauce, we’re creating a meal that embodies the warmth and authenticity we associate with home cooking. Ragu shares this pride in heritage, crafting each sauce with meticulous care. Their process begins with fresh ingredients – peeling, chopping, and simmering them with a special blend of herbs like basil, fennel, oregano, and black pepper – to layer and build a truly rich and authentic flavor profile. This commitment to quality ensures that every jar delivers a taste that feels genuinely homemade.

Veggie Stuffed Shells: A Hearty & Wholesome Choice for Any Night

These veggie stuffed shells are more than just a meal; they’re a celebration of wholesome goodness, perfect for a Meatless Monday, a cozy family night, or even a celebratory gathering. They epitomize that “down-home, stick-to-your-ribs” comfort food we all crave. This past weekend, they were the star of our Olympic-watching feast, a dish that perfectly complemented the excitement of the games. What truly elevates this recipe is the incredible variety of flavors offered by Ragu Homestyle Pasta Sauce. As a devoted garlic lover, my first choice from their new line was the Homestyle Thick and Hearty Roasted Garlic Sauce. Typically, I’d instinctively add extra garlic to nearly any savory dish. However, for these veggie stuffed shells, I held back, momentarily wondering if I’d made a mistake as I placed them into the oven.

Within a mere five minutes, any doubt vanished. The irresistible aroma of roasted garlic began wafting throughout my entire kitchen, filling the air with a promise of deliciousness. I was genuinely amazed by how incredible this jarred pasta sauce smelled – it was as if I had slow-roasted garlic cloves myself. Next on my list to try is the Homestyle Thick and Hearty Mushroom Sauce. Can you imagine the earthy, rich fragrance that one is going to impart? My mouth is watering just thinking about it!

Effortless Excellence: The Ragu Homestyle Difference

This entire meal comes together incredibly fast, largely thanks to Ragu Homestyle Sauce. And frankly, with so much Olympic action to catch, quick prep time is a huge bonus! While my father makes an absolutely fabulous homemade pasta sauce – a true labor of love that simmers for hours – there are days when time simply doesn’t allow for such a culinary commitment. On those busy evenings, I confidently turn to Ragu’s new Homestyle sauces. And trust me when I say this (but please, don’t tell my dad!), these sauces are truly on par with his cherished homemade recipe. I’ve sampled countless jarred sauces over the years, but the rich, bold, and authentically “homestyle” flavor that emanates from Ragu Homestyle Sauce is genuinely unmatched.

What makes Ragu Homestyle sauces truly stand out is not just their incredible taste, but also their commitment to wholesome ingredients. You won’t find any artificial flavors, artificial colors, or high fructose corn syrup here, making it a pasta sauce I feel genuinely good about serving my family. It’s perfectly acceptable, and often necessary, to use a shortcut in the kitchen from time to time. The beauty of Ragu Homestyle sauces is that while they offer you convenience, Ragu itself took no shortcuts in crafting them. They’ve poured care and quality into every jar, ensuring you can reap all the benefits of a truly homestyle meal right in your own kitchen, without the hours of simmering.

Crafting the Perfect Veggie & Cheese Filling

For the vibrant vegetable filling, I aimed for a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. My garden is currently overflowing with an abundance of squash, so I incorporated a delightful combination of onions, zucchini, yellow squash, carrots, and spinach. To prepare them, I finely shredded all the fresh vegetables, and for the spinach, I used a convenient frozen variety, ensuring it was thawed and thoroughly drained to prevent excess moisture. These vibrant vegetables were then lightly sautéed until tender-crisp. Once cooled slightly, they were folded into creamy low-fat ricotta cheese and a flavorful Italian five-cheese blend. This simple yet effective combination forms the heart of our incredibly savory and satisfying filling.

While the vegetables were gently cooking, I simultaneously prepared the jumbo pasta shells according to package directions. It’s always a good idea to cook a few extra, just in case some break or tear during handling. Once cooked, I drained and rinsed them well with cool water to stop the cooking process and make them easier to handle for stuffing. As soon as the filling was ready, the slightly cooled shells were perfectly primed. Each shell was generously filled with about two tablespoons of the rich veggie and cheese mixture. I then carefully arranged these stuffed shells onto a luxurious bed of Ragu Homestyle Thick and Hearty Roasted Garlic Sauce, which I had spread across the bottom of my trusty cast iron pan. A final flourish of more pasta sauce and a sprinkle of extra cheese crowned each shell before they went into the oven for a quick ten minutes, just long enough for the cheese to melt into gooey perfection.

A Family Favorite: Even for the Meat-Eaters!

These veggie stuffed shells are truly amazing! They exceeded all expectations, even impressing my meat-loving husband, who readily devoured an entire plateful. The best part? My kids had absolutely no idea they were packed with so many healthy vegetables and gobbled them right up without a single complaint. This dish has quickly become a new family favorite, destined to remain a staple in our household long after the Olympics have concluded. It’s an undisputed champion for Meatless Monday, offering a delicious and nutritious option that satisfies everyone.

Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars

3 votes

Print Recipe

Veggie Stuffed Shells

Prep Time: 5 mins

Cook Time: 10 mins

Total Time: 15 mins

Author: Strawberry Blondie Kitchen

Yields: 17 shells

These veggie stuffed shells are packed with hearty vegetables, creamy cheese, and smothered in delicious garlic Ragu Homestyle Pasta Sauce. They’re so good, even the meat eaters will be asking for seconds!

Ingredients

• 1 jar Ragu Homestyle Thick and Hearty Roasted Garlic Sauce
• 1 box jumbo pasta shells
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup carrots, shredded
• 1 cup zucchini, shredded
• 1 cup yellow squash, shredded
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 1- 10 ounce box frozen spinach, thawed and well drained
• 15 ounce low fat ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded Italian cheese blend, divided
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon ground fennel
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Prepare jumbo pasta shells according to package directions. Cook al dente, drain, and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking. (It’s a good idea to prepare the whole box in case of broken or ripped shells, and you’ll have plenty of leftovers for another meal!)
3. In a large skillet, over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté shredded carrots, zucchini, yellow squash, and chopped onion for 3 to 5 minutes, until slightly tender. Stir in the well-drained spinach and cook for another 1 minute. Transfer the vegetable mixture to a large bowl.
4. To the bowl with the vegetables, add ricotta cheese, 3/4 cup of the Italian cheese blend, Italian seasoning, and ground fennel. Stir gently until all ingredients are well combined. Season with salt and pepper to your preference.
5. Generously spread a layer of Ragu Homestyle Thick and Hearty Roasted Garlic Sauce across the bottom of a 13×9-inch baking pan or a large cast iron skillet. (You can wipe out the skillet you used for the veggies to save on dishes!)
6. Carefully place about 2 tablespoons of the veggie and cheese mixture into each cooked pasta shell. Arrange the stuffed shells snugly into the prepared pan with the sauce. Continue filling shells until all the vegetable mixture is used.
7. Top the stuffed shells with the remaining 1/4 cup of shredded Italian cheese blend. Bake for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce is heated through.

Course: Main Course, Pasta

Cuisine: Italian, Dinner

Homestyle Comfort, Made Easy

The beauty of these veggie stuffed shells lies not only in their incredible flavor but also in their surprising speed. This entire dish comes together in approximately 20 minutes from start to finish. Now that, for me, is the epitome of a homestyle, quick, and satisfying comfort meal – perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you need a delicious dinner on the table in a flash, leaving more time for family, friends, or even catching up on your favorite shows!

What does “homestyle” truly mean to you? How do you celebrate your heritage and uphold important traditions within your family? We’d love to hear your stories and insights in the comments below.

To discover more about the fantastic new line of Ragu Homestyle sauces and find a taste of home in every jar, be sure to visit the Ragu Homestyle Pasta Sauce page. After exploring their delicious options, let me know in the comments which flavor you’re most excited to try first!

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