Recipes for Fresh Spinach

Safe ways to use fresh spinach past its expiration date

Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

A comforting and cheesy pasta dish made with fresh spinach to reduce food waste.

Prep time:
30 minutes
Cook time:
35 minutes
Servings:
4

Ingredients

  • 1 box jumbo pasta shells
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, slightly past expiration
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 jar marinara sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the fresh spinach, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, dried basil, and dried oregano. Mix well.
  4. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the spinach and ricotta mixture.
  5. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
  6. Arrange the stuffed shells in the baking dish.
  7. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells.
  8. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  10. Serve hot and enjoy.
pastacheesecomfort food
⚠️Difficulty level: medium
Sauteed Spinach with Garlic

Sauteed Spinach with Garlic

Make a quick and delicious side dish using slightly expired spinach for a zero-waste meal.

Prep time:
5 minutes
Cook time:
5 minutes
Servings:
2

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 5 cups slightly expired spinach, washed and dried
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Add the slightly expired spinach to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Remove from heat and serve immediately.
  6. Ensure the spinach is thoroughly cooked to prevent any potential bacterial growth.
expired-food-recipefood-waste-reduction
⚠️Difficulty level: easy
Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breast

Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breast

Transform slightly expired spinach into a flavorful filling for chicken breasts, resulting in a tasty and waste-reducing meal.

Prep time:
15 minutes
Cook time:
30 minutes
Servings:
2

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup slightly expired spinach, chopped
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix the slightly expired spinach, crumbled feta cheese, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  3. Cut a pocket into each chicken breast by slicing horizontally through the side.
  4. Stuff each chicken breast with the spinach and feta mixture, dividing it equally.
  5. Secure the openings with toothpicks if needed.
  6. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side.
  7. Transfer the chicken breasts to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
  8. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
  9. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
  10. Remember to discard any leftover stuffing mixture as it may contain raw chicken juices.
expired-food-recipefood-waste-reduction
⚠️Difficulty level: medium

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