Christmas Stuffed Shells

why make this recipe

Christmas is a time for gathering with loved ones and enjoying delicious food. Best Christmas Stuffed Shells are a wonderful dish that brings warmth and delight to your holiday table. Filled with creamy cheese and baked in rich marinara sauce, these stuffed shells are both comforting and festive. They’re easy to make, appealing to all ages, and can be prepared in advance, making them a perfect choice for holiday celebrations.

how to make Best Christmas Stuffed Shells

Ingredients :

• 20-25 pieces Jumbo pasta shells (cooked al dente)
• 2 cups Ricotta cheese
• 2 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• 0.5 cups Grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large Egg (lightly beaten)
• 3 cups Marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tsp Dried basil
• 0.5 tsp Garlic powder
• 0.25 tsp Ground nutmeg

Directions :

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, mix ricotta, half the mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, basil, garlic powder, and nutmeg until combined.
3. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce into the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish.
4. Fill each shell with the cheese mixture and arrange in the baking dish over the sauce.
5. Top with remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle with the rest of the mozzarella cheese.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake another 5-10 minutes until bubbly and golden.

how to serve Best Christmas Stuffed Shells

Serve these stuffed shells hot from the oven, garnished with fresh basil or extra grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Pair them with a simple green salad and some crusty garlic bread for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.

how to store Best Christmas Stuffed Shells

If you have leftovers, allow the stuffed shells to cool completely. Place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage; just make sure to wrap them tightly. When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven until warmed through.

tips to make Best Christmas Stuffed Shells

• Cook the pasta shells just until al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking.
• Feel free to add some sautéed spinach or cooked ground meat to the cheese filling for added flavor and nutrition.
• Make these stuffed shells a day ahead of time and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just extend the baking time slightly if they are cold from the fridge.

variation

Try using different types of cheese, like goat cheese or feta, for a unique flavor twist. You can also change up the sauce, using Alfredo or pesto sauce instead of marinara for a different taste.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular pasta shells instead of jumbo?
Yes, but you will need more shells, and the filling process may take a bit longer.

2. Is it okay to prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the stuffed shells a day before and bake them just before serving.

3. Can I use homemade marinara sauce?
Yes! Homemade marinara will add a personal touch to this dish and can enhance its flavors.

Best Christmas Stuffed Shells

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A comforting and festive dish filled with creamy cheese and baked in rich marinara sauce, perfect for holiday gatherings.

• Author: megan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 20–25 pieces Jumbo pasta shells (cooked al dente)
• 2 cups Ricotta cheese
• 2 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• 0.5 cups Grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large Egg (lightly beaten)
• 3 cups Marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tsp Dried basil
• 0.5 tsp Garlic powder
• 0.25 tsp Ground nutmeg

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, mix ricotta, half the mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, basil, garlic powder, and nutmeg until combined.
3. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce into the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish.
4. Fill each shell with the cheese mixture and arrange in the baking dish over the sauce.
5. Top with remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle with the rest of the mozzarella cheese.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake another 5-10 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Notes

Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or extra grated Parmesan. Pairs well with salad and garlic bread. Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3-4 days or frozen.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: stuffed shells, Christmas recipe, holiday dinner, Italian meal, creamy cheese, marinara sauce