Best Christmas Stuffed Shells Recipe You’ll Love Today

Intro and Brief Recap

What could be more comforting than a warm plate of stuffed shells during the festive season? The Best Christmas Stuffed Shells Recipe offers a delightful combination of creamy ricotta, savory spinach, and rich marinara sauce, all enveloped in tender pasta shells. Each bite bursts with flavor, making it an ideal dish to share with family and friends around the holiday table.

As we gather to celebrate, this recipe stands out not just for its taste but also for the memories it creates. I fondly recall holiday dinners at my grandmother’s house where she would prepare stuffed shells filled with love and laughter. The aroma of bubbling cheese and fresh herbs filled the air, drawing everyone to the dining room. This dish is perfect for Christmas celebrations, cozy gatherings, or even as a comforting meal on a chilly winter evening. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this delicious experience that promises to warm their hearts as much as their bellies.

Key Ingredients For Best Christmas Stuffed Shells Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: Opt for high-quality jumbo shells that can hold ample filling without breaking during cooking.

• Ricotta Cheese: Fresh ricotta adds creaminess; look for whole milk varieties for the best flavor.

• Shredded Mozzarella: Use part-skim mozzarella for a great melt while keeping it lighter.

• Fresh Spinach: Choose vibrant green spinach leaves; wilt them down to enhance flavor and texture.

• Marinara Sauce: Select a rich tomato sauce or homemade marinara for authentic taste.

For the Seasoning:

• Garlic Powder: A must-have for adding depth; use fresh garlic if desired for a stronger punch.

• Italian Seasoning: A mix of herbs brings warmth; opt for a blend with oregano, basil, and thyme.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Instructions For Best Christmas Stuffed Shells Recipe

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

First Step : Prepare the Pasta

Boil water in a large pot and add salt. Cook jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Second Step : Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or olive oil.

Third Step : Mix the Filling

In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, sautéed spinach, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Fourth Step : Stuff the Shells

Carefully fill each cooked shell with about two tablespoons of the ricotta mixture. Place each stuffed shell seam-side up in the greased baking dish.

Fifth Step : Add Marinara Sauce

Pour marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top for a cheesy finish.

Final Step : Bake

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in preheated oven for about 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Transfer to plates and serve hot with fresh herbs sprinkled on top for garnish.

Expert Tips

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

• Make Ahead: Prepare stuffed shells in advance and store them in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

• Use Fresh Herbs: Enhance flavor by adding fresh basil or parsley into your filling mixture or as a garnish.

• Experiment with Fillings: Try adding cooked sausage or mushrooms into your ricotta mixture for extra depth.

Now that you have everything you need to create this holiday favorite, gather your loved ones around and enjoy every delicious bite!

Cooking Instructions

To create the Best Christmas Stuffed Shells Recipe, follow these simple steps for a delicious dish. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Meanwhile, cook the jumbo pasta shells in boiling salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian herbs. Fill each cooked shell with this savory mixture. Place the stuffed shells in a baking dish and cover them with marinara sauce. Top with additional mozzarella cheese before baking for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Serving Suggestions

Enhance your dining experience with these serving suggestions for your Best Christmas Stuffed Shells Recipe. Consider pairing the dish with:

• A fresh garden salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette to balance the richness of the stuffed shells.

• Breadsticks or garlic bread for a satisfying crunch that complements the creamy filling.

• A glass of red wine, such as Chianti, which enhances the flavors of the marinara sauce beautifully.

Storage Tips

For those who want to prepare ahead, here are some storage tips related to the Best Christmas Stuffed Shells Recipe. You can make the stuffed shells a day in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply add additional marinara sauce if needed and heat in the oven.

If you have leftovers, let them cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in the oven until heated through.

Variations

Get creative with these variations of the Best Christmas Stuffed Shells Recipe that can cater to different tastes:

You can substitute ricotta cheese with cottage cheese for a lighter option or use spinach and feta for a Mediterranean twist. For meat lovers, consider adding ground turkey or beef to the cheese mixture for extra protein.

For a spicy kick, mix in some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes into your cheese filling. You can also experiment with different sauces like Alfredo or pesto instead of traditional marinara.

FAQs

What is the best way to prepare stuffed shells ahead of time?

Preparing stuffed shells ahead of time makes meal planning easy. To do this for your Best Christmas Stuffed Shells Recipe, fill and arrange your shells in a baking dish without adding sauce yet. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to cook, pour over your favorite marinara sauce and bake as directed.

Can I freeze stuffed shells after cooking?

Yes! Freezing is an excellent option if you have leftovers from your Best Christmas Stuffed Shells Recipe. Allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. For reheating, defrost overnight in the fridge before warming them up in an oven or microwave.

What types of cheese work best for stuffed shells?

The classic choice for your Best Christmas Stuffed Shells Recipe is ricotta cheese due to its creamy texture. However, you can mix it up by including mozzarella for stretchiness and Parmesan for added flavor. You might even try goat cheese or cream cheese for unique taste experiences!

Can I make stuffed shells gluten-free?

Absolutely! To make a gluten-free version of your Best Christmas Stuffed Shells Recipe, simply substitute regular jumbo pasta shells with gluten-free varieties made from rice or quinoa flour. The filling remains unchanged; just ensure that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free!