why make this recipe

Best Christmas Stuffed Shells is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to your holiday table. It’s a crowd-pleaser, easy to make, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. The combination of rich cheeses and savory marinara sauce makes this recipe an appealing option for a festive meal. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of the season in a fun pasta form.

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

Serve the Best Christmas Stuffed Shells hot from the oven. You can enjoy them on their own or with a side salad and garlic bread. This dish pairs wonderfully with a glass of red wine, making it a special treat for your holiday feast.

how to store Best Christmas Stuffed Shells

To store any leftovers, let the stuffed shells cool completely. Place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the dish before baking it. Just make sure to cover it tightly with foil and plastic wrap. When you’re ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

tips to make Best Christmas Stuffed Shells

Make sure not to overcook the pasta shells; they should be al dente since they will bake further in the oven.
Add a pinch of nutmeg to the ricotta mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
Feel free to mix in other ingredients such as spinach or cooked ground meat for additional texture and taste.

variation

You can customize the filling by adding sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms. For a more festive touch, consider adding some cranberry sauce on the side for a unique flavor pairing.

FAQs

Can I use regular pasta instead of jumbo shells?
Yes, but cooking time and serving suggestions will vary. You can use manicotti or even lasagna noodles if you want to create layers instead.

Can I make these stuffed shells ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare them a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.

What can I serve with stuffed shells?
A fresh green salad, garlic bread, or a side of steamed vegetables complement this dish nicely. You can also serve it with a hearty soup.

Best Christmas Stuffed Shells

Author: kaoucheegmail-com
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A delightful dish combining rich cheeses and savory marinara sauce, perfect for sharing during the holidays.

Ingredients

Scale

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 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.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta shells; they should be al dente as they will bake further in the oven.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: stuffed shells, pasta, holiday recipe, vegetarian dish, Christmas dinner