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Festive Christmas Stuffed Pasta

Festive Christmas Stuffed Pasta


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  • Author: Jam Scott
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 to 6 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Festive Christmas Stuffed Pasta shells are the perfect blend of cozy comfort and holiday elegance. Filled with a creamy ricotta and spinach mixture and topped with bubbling marinara and golden cheese, they bring festive flavor and color to your table with minimal effort.


Ingredients

20 jumbo pasta shells

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

6 cups fresh spinach (or 10 oz frozen, thawed and drained)

15 ounces ricotta cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

1 large egg

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

2 1/2 cups marinara sauce

1/4 cup additional mozzarella, for topping

2 tablespoons parmesan, for topping

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)


Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta shells until al dente. Drain and lay them on a baking sheet to cool and prevent sticking.

2. In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Chop roughly and let cool.

3. In a bowl, combine ricotta, chopped spinach, mozzarella, parmesan, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully combined.

4. Spoon or pipe filling into each shell. Spread 1 cup marinara on the bottom of a baking dish, then nestle stuffed shells in.

5. Pour remaining marinara sauce over shells and top with extra mozzarella and parmesan.

6. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

7. Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra cheese, if desired.

Notes

If using frozen spinach, thaw and squeeze thoroughly to remove excess moisture.

Don’t overcook pasta shells—al dente is key to prevent tearing while stuffing.

You can assemble this dish up to a day ahead and bake just before serving.

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Pasta
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: Italian-inspired, Holiday

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3 stuffed shells
  • Calories: 430
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 820mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg