Best Christmas Stuffed Shells

why make this recipe

Christmas is a time for gathering with family and friends, and there’s nothing better than sharing a delicious meal. Best Christmas Stuffed Shells are a perfect dish for the holiday season. They are hearty, cheesy, and full of flavor. Plus, they can be made ahead of time, which makes holiday cooking a breeze. This dish brings warmth and joy to any festive table.

how to make Best Christmas Stuffed Shells

Ingredients:

• 20 jumbo pasta shells
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 cup spinach, chopped
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Italian seasoning

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, spinach, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
4. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the cheese mixture and place them in a baking dish.
5. Pour marinara sauce over the stuffed shells.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
7. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Serve warm and enjoy your festive dish!

how to serve Best Christmas Stuffed Shells

Serve Best Christmas Stuffed Shells warm, garnished with extra grated Parmesan or a sprinkle of fresh herbs. They pair perfectly with a side salad and some crusty bread. For an extra festive touch, you can serve them with a glass of red wine or a festive holiday drink.

how to store Best Christmas Stuffed Shells

If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also freeze the stuffed shells before baking. Just prepare them in the baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to three months. When ready to bake, add about 10-15 minutes to the cooking time from frozen.

tips to make Best Christmas Stuffed Shells

• Don’t overcook the pasta shells; they should be al dente so they hold their shape when stuffed.
• Experiment with different cheeses or add cooked ground meat for extra protein.
• If you want more flavor, make your marinara sauce from scratch or add some herbs and spices to a store-bought version.

variation

You can make a vegetarian version by adding more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. For a spicier kick, consider adding some red pepper flakes or using spicy marinara sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells and then cover and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.

2. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! You can mix and match cheeses based on your preference. Just ensure the flavors complement each other.

3. How do I know when the stuffed shells are done?
The shells are done when the cheese on top is melted and bubbly, and the edges are lightly golden. You can also use a thermometer to check that the internal temperature is at least 165°F (74°C).

Best Christmas Stuffed Shells

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Hearty, cheesy stuffed shells perfect for the holiday season, easy to prepare ahead of time.

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 20 jumbo pasta shells
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 cup spinach, chopped
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Italian seasoning

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, spinach, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
4. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the cheese mixture and place them in a baking dish.
5. Pour marinara sauce over the stuffed shells.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
7. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Serve warm and enjoy your festive dish!

Notes

Serve warm, garnished with extra grated Parmesan or fresh herbs. Pairs well with a side salad and crusty bread.

• Author: mehdilmh
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: Christmas, Stuffed Shells, Holiday Recipe