Tuna-Nut Stuffed Pasta Shells

Prep: 20 min Cook: 45 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: Italian

Creamy tuna and cheese stuffed pasta shells with flavorful tomato sauce, perfect for a hearty family dinner or entertaining guests with a comforting, cheesy flavor.

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Ingredients

  • 1 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 2 small cloves garlic, crushed
  • 1 (28 oz.) can Italian tomatoes, strained
  • 1 (8 oz.) can Italian tomatoes, strained
  • 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp. honey
  • 1 1/2 tsp. oregano
  • 1 1/2 tsp. dried basil leaves
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. pepper
  • 24 whole wheat jumbo pasta shells
  • 3 qt. salted boiling water
  • 2 (6 1/2 oz.) cans water-packed tuna, drained
  • 1 (16 oz.) carton low-fat cottage cheese
  • 1 1/2 c. grated Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 Tbsp. dried parsley flakes
  • 1/4 tsp. freshly grated lemon peel

Instructions

  1. In a saucepan, sauté garlic in olive oil until fragrant.
  2. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, honey, oregano, salt, basil, and pepper; cook uncovered for 30 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, cook pasta shells in boiling salted water until al dente, then drain.
  4. In a bowl, combine drained tuna, cottage cheese, grated Monterey Jack cheese, dried parsley flakes, lemon peel, and lemon juice.
  5. Stuff cooked pasta shells with the tuna and cheese mixture.
  6. Spread a layer of tomato sauce in a baking dish, arrange stuffed shells on top, and cover with remaining sauce.
  7. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

756 kcal 38% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 20.4g 41% DV
Total Fat 53.4g 68% DV
Carbs 60.8g 22% DV
Fiber 15.3g 54% DV
Sugar 27.9g 56% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 10134.5mg 100% DV
Potassium 931.8mg 20% DV
Cholesterol 20.5mg 7% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 158.8mcg 18% DV
Vitamin C 31.7mg 35% DV
Vitamin D 0.2mcg 1% DV
Calcium 696.5mg 54% DV
Iron 12.9mg 72% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten Fish

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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