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Christmas Stuffed Shells Recipe

Delicious Christmas Stuffed Shells Recipe to Wow Your Guests

A festive Christmas Stuffed Shells Recipe filled with creamy ricotta, spinach, and herbs, perfect for your holiday gathering.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 pieces Large Pasta Shells Use large shells for optimal filling.
For the Filling
  • 2 cups Fresh Spinach Can substitute with well-drained frozen spinach.
  • 15 oz Ricotta Cheese A creamy base for the filling; try mascarpone for richer flavor.
  • 1 cup Pecorino Cheese Can substitute with Parmesan cheese.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Fresh garlic is preferred.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano Substitute with thyme if preferred.
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest Feel free to omit if desired.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Adjust quantity to taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust according to taste.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper Adjust according to taste.
For Assembly
  • 2 cups Marinara Sauce Store-bought or homemade works beautifully.

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Large pot
  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking Dish
  • Steamer

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Steam the fresh spinach for about 1 minute until it wilts down.
  3. In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil, then add the large pasta shells. Cook for approximately 10 minutes, then drain.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, grated pecorino, minced garlic, dried oregano, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
  5. Spread marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  6. Stuff each pasta shell with the creamy spinach and cheese mixture and place them upright in the baking dish.
  7. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  8. Remove from the oven and let cool for a minute before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 15gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 2000IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

These Easy Christmas Stuffed Shells are vegetarian-friendly and can be prepared in advance for convenience. Enjoy with garlic bread or a fresh green salad on the side.

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