Stuffed {Potato Skin} Shells

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Oh my.  Oh my.  Quick – get thee to a kitchen!

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In my opinion, potato skins and stuffed shells are two of the most delicious foods on the planet.  Last Sunday, I was drivin’ around in my car when I suddenly had an idea… why not combine the two dishes to create a gluten-free version of stuffed shells?  Genius, if I do say so myself.

 

And delicious.  Really, really delicious.

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The potato skins are stuffed with a combination of ricotta cheese, spinach, carrot, parsley, and a splash of soy milk.   And I promise – when you bite into these shells, for a split second, you’ll think the potato is actually pasta.  Then, you’ll realize that it’s actually like shelled stuffs to the millionth power and will proceed to rapidly shovel the rest of the meal into your mouth.

 

Thankfully, this recipe makes multiple servings.  You’re going to want seconds!

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Stuffed {Potato Skin} Shells

 

Ingredients (for three – four servings):

  • 4 small to medium yellow potatoes
  • One 15-ounce tub of ricotta cheese (I used a fat-free kind and it worked well)
  • 2 cups loosely packed raw spinach
  • 1 carrot
  • 1/4 cup loosely packed fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup soy milk
  • Salt to taste.
  • 1.5 cups pasta sauce

 

Directions:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • You can either microwave or bake the potatoes; I microwaved them so this recipe didn’t take another hour to complete).  Wash the potatoes, stab with a fork, wrap in moist paper towels, and microwave for 6 – 9 minutes, or until soft.
  • Slice potatoes lengthwise and let cool so you can handle them.
  • Once cool, use a spoon to carefully scoop out the potato filling.  Side aside and use for another recipe (mashed potatoes, perhaps?).  Set skins aside.
  • In the food processor, combine spinach and parsley until finely chopped.  Don’t over blend.
  • Grate carrot.
  • Combine spinach, parsley, carrot, soy milk, and ricotta cheese in a medium bowl.  Add salt to taste.  Scoop the cheese mixture into the shells.
  • Pour pasta sauce on the bottom of a greased casserole dish.  Set potatoes on top of pasta sauce.
  • Bake for 40 minutes. 
  • Serve and inhale!

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My belly is happy. Smile

 

Thought of the Day:

 

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma, which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most importantly, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” – Steve Jobs

{ 54 comments }

 

  • Army Amy* December 22, 2011, 2:29 pm

    These look so yummy! I used to make stuffed shells on the regular, but now that my husband is deployed, it seems like too much work for just little ol’ me. This recipe might just prompt me to make ’em anyway!*

  • Tricia December 22, 2011, 2:29 pm

    MMMMMMMMMMMMM. Two of my favorites. Yes PLEASE!!!! I know what’s for dinner tonight!

  • HM December 22, 2011, 2:31 pm

    These look fabulous! I am always looking for alternative ways to substitute vegetables for pasta. Lately I’ve been on a spaghetti squash binge 🙂

  • Shannon December 22, 2011, 2:32 pm

    If I was not working right now I would be at the grocery store buying the things to make these NOW! But it is printed and will be made this week!
    Yummy!

  • Elisabeth December 22, 2011, 2:37 pm

    These look delicious, especially if you want to avoid the pasta (like me)! Oh, and I love the Steve Jobs quote 😉

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat December 22, 2011, 2:45 pm

    Oh my goodness. I think being pregnant has made you even more creative (and clever!) in the recipe making department than before!!! These sound delicious!

  • Emily G. @ from my messy desk December 22, 2011, 2:57 pm

    These babies look DELICIOUS!!!

  • Cait @ Beyond Bananas December 22, 2011, 3:04 pm

    Holy yum! I think my belly would be pretty happy if I ate those, as well! These are going on my “make over vacation” list! 🙂

  • Katie @ Peace Love & Oats December 22, 2011, 3:05 pm

    those look so delicious! what a cool idea!

  • Jen@FoodFamilyFitness December 22, 2011, 3:05 pm

    Wow. Just wow. I have no other words because my stomach is growling at me to make these!!!

  • Kara December 22, 2011, 3:07 pm

    Why fat free? My doctor was always big on the importance of full fat dairy during pregnancy. Also, fat free cheese is flavorless.

    I might try this, but with fat. 🙂

    • Caitlin December 22, 2011, 3:11 pm

      It’s just the type I randomly picked up at the store.

  • Emily December 22, 2011, 3:08 pm

    AMAZING idea!!! why hasnt anyone thought of this?!?!

  • Anna December 22, 2011, 3:20 pm

    YUM! Genius idea…making after the holidays asap.

  • Christine @ BookishlyB December 22, 2011, 3:29 pm

    Interesting combo, but I could see how it would work. I’ve been massively craving spinach (who am I??) lately, so this may just the thing.

  • Jamie @ Don't Forget the Cinnamon December 22, 2011, 3:33 pm

    Mmmm these look beautiful and, I’m sure, taste delicious! I can only imagine….

  • jamei@cueyourlife December 22, 2011, 3:45 pm

    I love that quote! I heard it the first time when you link his commencement speech to the blog…and I think about it all the time now! Thanks…and I’ve put those “shells” on my dinner plan tonight!

  • Lisa (bakebikeblog) December 22, 2011, 3:45 pm

    oh my – these DO look wonderful!

  • Kath December 22, 2011, 3:46 pm

    Looks so healthy!!

  • Lauren @ HugsKissesNDishes December 22, 2011, 3:47 pm

    This looks amazing!! I will make these asap!

  • Brittney December 22, 2011, 3:53 pm

    MMMM, I love this idea! Thanks for sharing Caitlin!

  • Kate December 22, 2011, 3:55 pm

    I don’t like pasta, so I would definitely like this version more! Potatoes are pretty much my favorite food, so this sounds way better.

  • Rebecca @ Naturally Healthy and Gorgeous December 22, 2011, 4:24 pm

    That looks great! I’ll have to try them this holiday!

  • Leslie December 22, 2011, 4:49 pm

    These look so good! I will make these soon. Your photos make the recipe all the more tempting. The colors in this dish are so vibrant. Great post, Thanks Caitlin.

  • Miranda @ Living One Bite at a Time December 22, 2011, 4:57 pm

    Haha! What a great idea! I don’t know if I’ll try it, but it’s certainly an awesome, unique concoction!

  • Gina @ Running to the Kitchen December 22, 2011, 5:24 pm

    These look delicious! I’m starving so everything sounds good right about now. Should probably figure out what’s for dinner. I’ve only got sweet potatoes on hand but I really want to do something like this. Hmm…

  • Marathon Beauty December 22, 2011, 5:26 pm

    Looks so yum! I’m going to have to try that soon!

  • Chelsea December 22, 2011, 5:27 pm

    Oh my goodness! Initiate drooling for real right now hahaha.

  • Ali December 22, 2011, 5:55 pm

    You are seriously the cutest, most well rounded pregnant blogger 🙂 I really like reading your posts b/c you are honest and open. Thanks for including us on your adventure into mommyhood! it’s the best!!! (I’m 21 weeks pregnant with my 2nd!)

    • CaitlinHTP December 23, 2011, 10:54 am

      Thank you so much Ali.

  • Brenda December 22, 2011, 6:08 pm

    What a great idea! I wonder what else we could make with potato skins?

  • Ashley December 22, 2011, 6:25 pm

    OH wow! These look amaaaaaaaaaazing! Can’t wait to try!

  • Keri December 22, 2011, 6:27 pm

    This sounds so good! I cant wait to try this once I am done nursing my daughter! (she doesn’t tolerate dairy well)

    It’s genius to use potatoes as a pasta! I think a spaghettiO’s made with bits of potatoes sounds yummy too!

  • Melissa @ Be Not Simply Good December 22, 2011, 6:33 pm

    That looks SO good! I dare say, you ARE a genius! 😉 Happily for me, I just bought a bag of potatoes, so I will probably be able to try this soon. Mmm.

  • Ali G December 22, 2011, 6:43 pm

    great idea! can’t wait to try this! so much healthier than pasta tubes.

  • Jill December 22, 2011, 7:04 pm

    ohmygoodness yum! These look so yummy! I’m going to pin this!

  • Elizabeth @ reads recipes runs December 22, 2011, 7:21 pm

    Genius.

  • TeenyLittleSuperChef December 22, 2011, 8:06 pm

    Well, your belly may be happy but mine sure isn’t. I want some of these skins pronto. Thanks for the great idea. I’ve never even thought to make potatoes with an Italian flare. Better late than never. Do you think cottage cheese would work well too? I don’t think I have any ricotta in the fridge and I’d hate to run out to the store just for that.
    By the way, your baby bump is so freakin adorable 🙂

    • CaitlinHTP December 23, 2011, 10:54 am

      I bet cottage cheese would be awesome. Let me know if it works!

  • Mai December 22, 2011, 9:31 pm

    These pretty much look amazing.

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing December 22, 2011, 10:00 pm

    I kinda sorta LOVE the quote! And stuffed shells are one of my favorite meals… and it’s been way way way too long since i’ve made them!

  • Moni'sMeals December 22, 2011, 10:18 pm

    oh gosh, does this look good! What a clever idea. YUM! I am on it. 🙂

  • Khushboo December 23, 2011, 12:34 am

    Wow this sounds amazing! Kinda like a potato pizza! Can’t wait to try it!

  • katie @ KatieDid December 23, 2011, 1:17 am

    Brilliantttt, love this idea as I can’t eat pasta either and have yet to see any big GF shells on the market. Not to mention I’ve been having a month long love affair with red and white potatoes. I gotta try this out!

  • Esen @ COOKBOOKSANDCAKE.BLOGSPOT.COM December 23, 2011, 3:49 am

    This is GENIUS Caitlin! Don’t know how you thought of this, but I can’t WAIT to try it!

    All the best,

    Esen
    cookbooksandcake.blogspot.com

  • Brittnie (A Joy Renewed) December 23, 2011, 6:55 am

    Wow this looks great! I love the quote by Steve Jobs at the end of your post.

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin December 23, 2011, 8:10 am

    Love this idea! Definitely going to have to try these out soon. 😀

  • Amber K December 23, 2011, 1:48 pm

    That looks delicious! A genius idea, yet again Caitlin. Must buy the stuff to make this after the holiday!

  • Cheryl December 24, 2011, 8:08 am

    This is on my menu to do list for THIS week. Great idea!

  • Brooke January 4, 2012, 10:35 am

    This looks super yummy! Do you think you could substitute basil for the parsley?

    • Caitlin January 4, 2012, 10:50 am

      Sure! i think that would be yummy.

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