introduction

This Festive Christmas Stuffed Pasta is warm and bright. It uses cheese, spinach, and marinara sauce. It fits a holiday table or a simple weeknight meal. Try a different pasta or spice if you like. For another easy pasta idea see Cajun shrimp pasta.

why make this recipe

This dish tastes like the holidays. It is creamy inside and saucy outside. You can make it ahead and bake when guests arrive. It feeds a group and looks nice on the table.

how to make Festive Christmas Stuffed Pasta

Follow the directions below step by step. Use fresh spinach and good cheeses for best taste. You can mix cheeses a bit more or add herbs. Learn fast tips for prep and timing in the steps. Also see a similar easy pasta recipe here: Cajun shrimp pasta.

Ingredients :

Pasta shells or cannelloni
Ricotta cheese
Mozzarella cheese
Parmesan cheese
Spinach
Garlic
Marinara sauce
Salt
Pepper
Olive oil
Fresh basil

Directions :

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, sautéed spinach, salt, and pepper.
Stuff each pasta shell with the cheese mixture.
Spread a layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of a baking dish.
Arrange the stuffed pasta in the dish and cover with remaining marinara sauce.
Sprinkle with additional cheese if desired.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

how to serve Festive Christmas Stuffed Pasta

Serve hot from the oven. Place the dish on a warm platter. Add extra basil on top. Offer garlic bread and a green salad. For a different side idea, try a spicy shrimp pasta like this.

how to store Festive Christmas Stuffed Pasta

Cool the pasta to room temperature. Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot. You can freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before baking.

tips to make Festive Christmas Stuffed Pasta

Use fresh spinach for best color and taste.
Do not overfill shells to avoid spills.
Drain pasta well so the shells hold the filling.
Let the baked pasta rest 5 minutes before serving.
Use a mix of cheeses for better flavor.

variation (if any)

Add cooked sausage or ground beef to the cheese mix.
Use roasted red peppers for a sweet twist.
Swap spinach for kale or Swiss chard.
Use gluten-free pasta shells if needed.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen spinach?
A: Yes. Thaw and squeeze out water well before mixing.

Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes. Stuff shells and keep covered in the fridge. Bake when ready.

Q: How do I know when pasta is done baking?
A: The sauce should bubble and cheese should turn light gold.

Q: Can I skip the mozzarella?
A: Yes. Use extra ricotta and parmesan, but mozzarella adds stretch.

Conclusion

For a festive spin and more ideas like this, see Ultimate Stuffed Shells to Ring in the Holidays.

Festive Christmas Stuffed Pasta

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

Print Recipe

Description

A warm and bright stuffed pasta filled with cheese, spinach, and marinara sauce, perfect for holiday gatherings or a hearty weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Pasta shells or cannelloni
Ricotta cheese
Mozzarella cheese
Parmesan cheese
Spinach
Garlic
Marinara sauce
Salt
Pepper
Olive oil
Fresh basil

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, sautéed spinach, salt, and pepper.
Stuff each pasta shell with the cheese mixture.
Spread a layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of a baking dish.
Arrange the stuffed pasta in the dish and cover with remaining marinara sauce.
Sprinkle with additional cheese if desired.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Notes

Use fresh spinach for the best color and taste. Let the baked pasta rest 5 minutes before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 400
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: pasta, stuffed pasta, Christmas recipe, holiday meal, vegetarian dish