Why Make This Recipe
Christmas is a wonderful time for family gatherings and delicious meals. One dish that brings warmth and joy to the holiday table is Best Christmas Stuffed Shells. These large pasta shells are filled with a creamy and cheesy mixture, making them a comforting choice for festive dinners. They are easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy more time with your loved ones.
How to Make Best Christmas Stuffed Shells
Ingredients:
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff each cooked shell with the cheese mixture.
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Arrange the stuffed shells in the baking dish and pour the remaining marinara sauce over them.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
How to Serve Best Christmas Stuffed Shells
To serve Best Christmas Stuffed Shells, place them on a warm platter and garnish with fresh basil. You can serve them alongside a simple salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. They are perfect for family dinners and can also be a hit at holiday potlucks.
How to Store Best Christmas Stuffed Shells
If you have leftovers, store the stuffed shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay good for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze unbaked stuffed shells for up to 2 months. Just make sure to cover them well, so they do not get freezer burn.
Tips to Make Best Christmas Stuffed Shells
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta shells; they should be al dente since they will bake in the oven later.
- You can mix in cooked spinach or other vegetables into the cheese filling for added nutrition.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preference. Adding some crushed red pepper can give a little heat.
Variation
For a meaty option, you can add cooked ground beef or sausage to the cheese mixture. This adds extra flavor and makes the dish more filling!
FAQs
Can I prepare stuffed shells in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed shells a day ahead and keep them in the refrigerator. Just bake them when you are ready to serve.
Can I use a different sauce?
Absolutely! While marinara is classic, you can use alfredo or pesto sauce for a different flavor.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly! Just avoid using any meat in your variation.
Best Christmas Stuffed Shells
Delicious jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy cheese mixture, perfect for holiday gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff each cooked shell with the cheese mixture.
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Arrange the stuffed shells in the baking dish and pour the remaining marinara sauce over them.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
You can prepare the stuffed shells a day ahead and keep them in the refrigerator. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: stuffed shells, Christmas recipe, holiday meals, Italian comfort food, vegetarian pasta