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    Home » Recipe » Cuisine » Italian » Mum’s Spinach Shells with Broccoli

    Posted on: Mar 31, 2011 · Modified: Jan 9, 2022 by honeywhatscooking · 4 Comments

    Mum's Spinach Shells with Broccoli

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    This post comes to you from my parents' home where I'm sitting on their comfortable recliner watching my mom and dad tear away as they watch a super dramatic Indian Soap Opera - OMG!  And saying that an Indian Soap Opera is dramatic is an understatement.  



    In addition, there is a wonderful aroma in the air, it is my mom's Almost Fat-Free Banana Bread baking in the oven which we will later enjoy with a cup of tea since we are both such night owls.  That's really where I get my bad habit of staying up from, it's in my genes so I can't help it.  🙂  See, it's ready now!



    What else can I tell you?  My journey started yesterday at my eldest sister's home where I hung out with my 3 adorable nieces, Sal, Sonia, and Sar.  We enjoyed tea and snacky food, but I wasn't too concerned about health since it isn't so often I enjoy tea time with my sister, nieces, and brother-in-law.  I then headed to my friend's (Anu) where I enjoyed her mom's great South Indian food while we stayed up late catching up.



    And then today I headed to my brother's where I spent the day with him and my cute nieces, Jazzy and Rhea.  The 4 of us, and my mom, did some testing on two different French Press brands to see if there was a difference - post coming soon.  Unfortunately, I missed my sister-in-law, but I'll be sure to see her tomorrow.



    Now I bring you my Mum's Spinach Shells with Broccoli recipe that she often makes without cheese.  I went ahead and added Parmesan cheese to this deliciously light and healthy dish.  Enjoy!





    NUTRITION: Spinach is loaded with tons of nutrients. It is rich in Vitamins A, C, and K, and is an excellent source of Iron and Folic Acid. Spinach is also a good source of Omega 3 fatty acids.  Broccoli adds tons of nutrition value... Fiber, Folic Acid, and Vitamins A, C, and K.  Cheese is a good source of Calcium and Protein.  Whole Wheat Pasta is a great source of Protein and Fiber.




    INGREDIENTS:

    • Extra Virgin Olive Oil - 2 tbsp
    • Crushed Red Pepper Flakes - 1 tsp
    • Garlic - 4 cloves (chopped)
    • Onion - 2 small (diced)
    • Frozen Spinach - 1 10 ounce package (microwaved)
    • Black Pepper - ½ teaspoon + ½ teaspoon (later)
    • Broccoli - 2 small heads (cut into florets & steamed)
    • Barilla Whole Grain Medium Shells - 1 pound box (cooked)
    • Parmesan Cheese - 1 cup (shredded)
    • salt to taste



    DIRECTIONS:
    1. Start by microwaving a 10 ounce package of frozen spinach for about 5 minutes, or just follow the directions on the package.



    2. Set aside a big pot of water to boil the pasta.  Cover with a lid.



    3. Chop the onions and garlic.



    4. Check on the spinach, it should be done.  Set aside to cool.  



    5. Heat a big pot on medium heat, once hot, add oil and crushed pepper flakes.



    6. Add onions and garlic.  Saute for 5 minutes.  



    7. In the meantime, cut the broccoli into florets.  



    8. Add the broccoli to a colander.



    9. Once the pot of water is heated, season with a good amount of salt and 1 teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil to prevent sticking.  Stir.  Add the pasta, it will cook for about 8 minutes.



    10. Place the colander above the pot of pasta and cover with a lid.  The broccoli will cook for 5 minutes.



    11. Back tot he onion mixture, the onions should be translucent.  



    12. Squeeze and drain the spinach before adding it to the onion mixture.  Season with salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper.  Mix well.  Allow this to cook for about 7 minutes.  



    13. Now grate the cheese.  I just used my Cuisinart 11-Cup Food Processor.  



    14. Check on the broocli, should be done.





    15. Add the broccoli to the spinach-onion mixture.  Season with salt.  Cook for a couple minutes.



    16. In the meantime, check on the pasta and drain, set aside.





    17. Add the pasta to the spinach-broccoli mixture.  Combine.  



    18. Add cheese.  Combine.  



    19. Top with another ½ teaspoon of black pepper and check for salt.  Combine and serve.




    TELL ME: Once you are married, do you ever do stay overs at your mom's?


     
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Claire @ Live and Love to Eat says

      March 31, 2011 at 12:51 pm

      Beautiful and so healthy!

      Reply
    2. sweetpeaskitchen.com says

      April 01, 2011 at 2:31 am

      Looks like you had a great time at your parents house. I love this simple and healthy spinach shells and broccoli. I have to give it a try! 🙂

      Reply
    3. Laura says

      April 06, 2011 at 6:13 pm

      This looks great! I'm cooking it right now. 🙂

      Reply
    4. Laura says

      April 07, 2011 at 2:51 pm

      It turned out nicely! 🙂 I love how the broccoli and spinach just faded right into the flavors. Every bite was enjoyable.

      Reply

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    Hi, I'm Nisha... a foodie who is passionate about healthy-ish living and mindful eating. You'll find a little bit of everything here. I use mostly organic real ingredients and incorporate seasonal produce in my cooking. I believe food is medicine. Come join me on this soul-searching journey as I share my love for good food, and I hope somewhere along the line, I inspire you to eat better.

    Learn more about me →


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