Why Make This Recipe

Christmas is a time for gathering, celebrating, and, of course, enjoying delightful meals with family and friends. Best Christmas Stuffed Shells is the perfect dish that combines festive flavors with a comforting feel. Filled with a rich cheese mixture and topped with marinara sauce, this recipe is not only delicious but also easy to prepare. It brings warmth and joy to the holiday table, making it a favorite for celebrating the season.

How to Make Best Christmas Stuffed Shells

Ingredients:

Jumbo pasta shells
Ricotta cheese
Mozzarella cheese
Parmesan cheese
Marinara sauce
Salt
Pepper
Italian seasoning

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a bowl, mix the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning until well combined.
Stuff each shell with the cheese mixture.
Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
Place the stuffed shells in the baking dish, then pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top.
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
Serve hot and enjoy your festive meal!

How to Serve Best Christmas Stuffed Shells

Serve the Best Christmas Stuffed Shells hot out of the oven. Pair them with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top can add an extra touch of flavor and presentation. This dish is perfect for holiday gatherings and will surely impress your guests.

How to Store Best Christmas Stuffed Shells

If you have leftovers, let the stuffed shells cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for about 3-5 days. If you want to freeze them, wrap tightly in plastic wrap or store in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven.

Tips to Make Best Christmas Stuffed Shells

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh cheese and homemade marinara sauce can enhance the taste.
Be generous with the cheese mixture for a creamy filling in each shell.
For extra flavor, add some chopped spinach or herbs to the cheese mixture.
If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought marinara sauce.

Variation

Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese in the filling. Adding goat cheese or feta can give a unique twist. You can also include cooked ground meat, like turkey or sausage, in the filling for added protein.

FAQs

Can I make Best Christmas Stuffed Shells ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed shells a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate before baking. When ready, bake as directed.

Can I use regular pasta shells instead of jumbo shells?
You can, but jumbo shells are better for stuffing. If you use regular shells, reduce the cooking time as they cook faster.

What can I serve with stuffed shells?
Best Christmas Stuffed Shells go well with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables. A glass of red wine can also complement the flavors nicely.

Best Christmas Stuffed Shells

Print Recipe

A festive dish filled with a rich cheese mixture and topped with marinara sauce, perfect for holiday gatherings.

Author: megan
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a bowl, mix the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning until well combined.
Stuff each shell with the cheese mixture.
Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
Place the stuffed shells in the baking dish, then pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top.
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
Serve hot and enjoy your festive meal!

Notes

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. You can prepare the stuffed shells a day in advance and refrigerate before baking.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: Christmas, Stuffed Shells, Holiday, Pasta, Vegetarian