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Christmas Stuffed Shells

Cozy Christmas Stuffed Shells for a Festive Family Feast

These Christmas Stuffed Shells are a creamy, festive dish perfect for holiday gatherings.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 shells
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Shells
  • 12 pieces Large Pasta Shells Provides the perfect shape to hold the filling.
For the Filling
  • 2 cups Fresh Spinach Substitute with frozen spinach if fresh isn't available.
  • 15 ounces Ricotta Cheese Can be replaced with cottage cheese for a lighter option.
  • 1 cup Pecorino Cheese Parmesan works well as an alternative.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced for infusing flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano Feel free to use Italian seasoning instead.
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest Can be omitted or swapped for lime zest.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Omit for a milder flavor.
  • to taste Salt and Black Pepper Essential for enhancing flavors.
For the Sauce
  • 3 cups Marinara Sauce Homemade or store-bought works perfectly.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • 9x13 baking dish
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Start by steaming fresh spinach in a pot over medium heat for about 1 minute, just until wilted. Remove from heat, chop it finely, and set aside to cool slightly while you prep the pasta shells.
  2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add the large pasta shells. Cook for approximately 10 minutes until they are al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Once cooked, drain the shells thoroughly and toss them with a drizzle of olive oil.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, chopped pecorino cheese, minced garlic, dried oregano, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is well blended into a creamy filling.
  4. Spread a generous layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish. Stuff each pasta shell with the prepared filling and place them in a single layer in the baking dish.
  5. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 20 minutes, then remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to allow the tops to turn golden and bubbly. Serve hot, ideally with extra marinara sauce on the side.

Nutrition

Serving: 1shellCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 15gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 850IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

These stuffed shells freeze beautifully; prepare a batch, freeze, and then bake directly from the freezer for a quick meal later.

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