Why Make This Recipe

Festive Christmas Stuffed Pasta is not just a meal; it’s a celebration on a plate! Ideal for family gatherings or holiday parties, this dish wraps creamy cheese and spinach in tender pasta, all topped with warm marinara sauce. It’s comforting, delicious, and makes your dining table look festive. This recipe brings joy and warmth to your holiday season.

How to Make Festive Christmas Stuffed 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 this warm, gooey stuffed pasta right out of the oven. It pairs well with a light salad or garlic bread. For a festive touch, sprinkle more fresh basil or a little extra parmesan on top. This dish is great for sharing, making it perfect for holiday events with friends and family.

How to Store Festive Christmas Stuffed Pasta

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will last for about 3 to 5 days. When you want to eat them again, just reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Tips to Make Festive Christmas Stuffed Pasta

Don’t overcook the pasta; it should be al dente for the best texture.
You can add herbs like oregano or thyme to the cheese mixture for more flavor.
If you like a little spice, add some red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.

Variation

If you want a different twist, consider adding cooked, crumbled sausage or roasted vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers to the cheese filling. This adds extra flavor and makes the dish even heartier.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed pasta in advance. Assemble everything, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

2. Is it possible to freeze leftover stuffed pasta?
Absolutely! You can freeze the leftovers for up to 2 months. Just ensure it’s in an airtight container. To reheat, bake from frozen or allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

3. What can I serve with stuffed pasta?
This dish pairs well with a fresh salad, crusty bread, or steamed vegetables. You can also serve it with a glass of red wine for a lovely meal.

Festive Christmas Stuffed Pasta

Print Recipe

A delightful dish of creamy cheese and spinach stuffed into pasta shells, topped with warm marinara sauce, perfect for holiday gatherings.

Author: megan
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian

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

Don’t overcook the pasta; it should be al dente for the best texture. You can add herbs like oregano or thyme for extra flavor.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 15g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: stuffed pasta, holiday recipes, vegetarian pasta, Christmas dinner, family gatherings