Looking for a delicious and easy recipe to impress your guests this holiday season? Look no further than these Christmas Stuffed Shells! Packed with flavor and a festive touch, this dish is perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors: The combination of creamy ricotta cheese, savory marinara sauce, and aromatic herbs creates a mouthwatering taste sensation.
- Quick prep time: With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can have this dish on the table in no time.
- Perfect for meal prep: These stuffed shells make a great make-ahead dish for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings.
Ingredient Notes:
- Jumbo pasta shells: These large pasta shells are perfect for holding the delicious filling.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds a rich and fruity flavor to the dish.
- Fresh spinach: Adds a pop of color and nutrients to the filling.
- Ricotta cheese: Provides a creamy and cheesy texture to the stuffing.
- Pecorino cheese: Adds a sharp and salty flavor to the dish.
- Garlic cloves: Adds a fragrant and savory taste.
- Dried oregano: Adds a warm and earthy flavor to the filling.
- Lemon zest: Adds a bright and citrusy note to the dish.
- Red pepper flakes: Adds a hint of heat to the filling.
- Sea salt and black pepper: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Marinara sauce: Provides a rich and flavorful base for the stuffed shells.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh and herby finish to the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet, sauté the spinach until wilted. In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, pecorino cheese, garlic, oregano, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir in the cooked spinach.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish. Stuff each pasta shell with the ricotta mixture and place in the baking dish. Top with remaining marinara sauce.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle with additional pecorino cheese, and bake for another 5-10 minutes until bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Helpful Tips:
- Be sure to season the pasta water generously with salt for flavorful shells.
- You can add cooked ground meat or mushrooms to the filling for extra protein.
- To make ahead, assemble the stuffed shells and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcook the pasta shells, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Serving Suggestions:
These Christmas Stuffed Shells pair beautifully with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, and a glass of red wine for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I freeze these stuffed shells? Yes, you can freeze them before baking for up to 3 months.
- Can I use a different type of cheese in the filling? Yes, feel free to experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or parmesan.
- Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Absolutely, simply omit any meat and add more vegetables for a vegetarian option.
Conclusion:
These Christmas Stuffed Shells are sure to be a hit at your next gathering. With their delicious flavors and easy preparation, they are a must-try for any occasion. Give them a try and let us know what you think!
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Easy Christmas Stuffed Shells Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Christmas Stuffed Shells Recipe is a delicious and festive dish perfect for the holiday season. Jumbo pasta shells are stuffed with a flavorful mixture of ricotta cheese, spinach, and seasonings, then baked in marinara sauce until bubbly and golden.
Ingredients
Scale
- 18 to 20 jumbo pasta shells
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- 5 ounces fresh spinach
- 2 cups ricotta cheese, 16 ounces
- ¼ cup grated pecorino cheese, plus more for sprinkling
- 2 garlic cloves, grated
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¾ teaspoon sea salt, plus more for the pasta water
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cups Marinara Sauce*, plus more for serving
- Chopped fresh parsley, for serving
Instructions
- Cook Pasta Shells: Cook jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain and drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Filling: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, pecorino cheese, garlic, oregano, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir in chopped spinach.
- Stuff Shells: Fill each cooked pasta shell with the ricotta-spinach mixture and place in a baking dish.
- Bake: Pour marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, sprinkle with additional pecorino cheese, and bake in a preheated oven until heated through and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can customize the filling by adding cooked ground meat or different cheeses.
- Feel free to top the stuffed shells with mozzarella cheese for an extra cheesy finish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 shell
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg