When the holiday season rolls around, families often gather around the table to enjoy heartwarming meals that bring everyone together. One recipe that captures the spirit of Christmas and delights taste buds is Best Christmas Stuffed Shells. Imagine large, tender pasta shells filled with a creamy, cheesy mixture and smothered in rich marinara sauce—it’s the ultimate comfort food to brighten up any chilly evening. Intimately tied to the joy of sharing meals with loved ones, this dish is not just a feast for the stomach but a beautiful centerpiece for holiday gatherings.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Dish

There are countless reasons to whip up a batch of Best Christmas Stuffed Shells: it’s quick enough to make on busy weeknights yet impressive enough for festive occasions. This recipe is budget-friendly, making it a practical choice when entertaining large groups. Kids adore the cheesy goodness, while adults appreciate the way the flavors meld together. Plus, it’s an opportunity to sneak in some spinach for a touch of healthiness!

"Best Christmas Stuffed Shells have become a family tradition in our home. Every bite is a celebration! – Sarah T."

Preparing Best Christmas Stuffed Shells

Getting started on this delightful dish is simple and straightforward. Here’s what you need to know about the cooking process: First, you will prepare the pasta shells and mix up a heavenly stuffing, then simply fill the shells and bake them in a rich marinara sauce. Expect some delicious aromas wafting through your kitchen as they bake to bubbly perfection.

What You’ll Need

Gather these ingredients for a memorable holiday meal:

20 large jumbo pasta shells
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup chopped spinach
1 egg
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 cups marinara sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish

Each ingredient plays a vital role—creaminess from the ricotta, depth from the Parmesan, and that satisfying stretch from the mozzarella. If you’re looking for substitutes, cottage cheese can replace the ricotta, or you can even use a dairy-free alternative if necessary.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Your Oven: Set it to 375°F (190°C) to get it nice and hot for baking.
Cook the Pasta: Boil the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until just al dente. Drain them and set aside to cool slightly.
Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, ½ cup of mozzarella, Parmesan, spinach, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed.
Stuff the Shells: Take each cooled pasta shell and fill it with the prepared cheese mixture. Place them in a greased baking dish.
Cover with Sauce: Pour marinara sauce over the stuffed shells until they are well covered. This helps keep the pasta moist and flavorful.
Add More Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top for that gooey, melted finish.
Cover and Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Go for the Golden Finish: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Garnish & Serve: Top with fresh basil for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your creation with friends and family!

Best Ways to Enjoy It

Serve your Best Christmas Stuffed Shells warm from the oven with a fresh garden salad or some garlic bread. For those who like to throw in a little more color or flavor, consider adding a sprinkling of crushed red pepper or olives for a Mediterranean twist.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

If you have extra stuffed shells, let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze them, but be sure to do so before baking. Just assemble your dish, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to two months. Reheating is simple—just thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

Helpful Cooking Tips

To make the process smoother, consider prepping your sauce in advance. Homemade marinara can elevate the dish, but store-bought works beautifully too. If you’re in a rush, you can even stuff the shells a day before and keep them in the fridge, ready to bake when you’re set for dinner.

Creative Twists

Feel free to get creative with this dish:

Incorporate different cheeses like feta or goat cheese for a unique flavor.
Swap spinach for kale or sautéed mushrooms for a delicious earthy note.
Top with a sprinkle of pine nuts or crushed herbed breadcrumbs before baking for added texture.

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to prepare?
The overall prep and cooking time is roughly 1 hour.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly thanks to the cheese and spinach filling.
What if I have dietary restrictions?
You can easily adjust this recipe by using gluten-free pasta or dairy-free cheese options to accommodate dietary needs.

Making Best Christmas Stuffed Shells could very well become your favorite holiday tradition, filling your home with warmth and flavor while creating lasting memories around the table. Enjoy this delightful dish, and let your holiday celebrations begin!

Best Christmas Stuffed Shells

Delicious stuffed pasta shells filled with a creamy, cheesy mixture and topped with rich marinara sauce, perfect for holiday gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 35

Total Time 1 5

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American, Italian

Servings 6 servings

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

Pasta and Sauce

20 large large jumbo pasta shells
2 cups marinara sauce Homemade or store-bought

Cheese Filling

1 cup ricotta cheese Can substitute with cottage cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Divided into two portions
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetables and Seasoning

1 cup chopped spinach Can swap with kale or sautéed mushrooms
1 large egg Acts as a binder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish

Fresh basil For garnish

Instructions

Preparation

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Boil the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, ½ cup of mozzarella, Parmesan, spinach, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Assembly

Stuff each cooled pasta shell with the cheese mixture and place them in a greased baking dish.
Pour marinara sauce over the stuffed shells until they are well covered.
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.

Baking

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Serving

Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.

Notes

This recipe can be prepped a day in advance and stored in the fridge until ready to bake. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or frozen before baking for up to two months.

Keyword Christmas Recipe, comfort food, Holiday Meal, Pasta Dish, Stuffed Shells