Christmas Stuffed Shells: A Festive Comfort Classic for the Holidays Recipe

Introduction

Christmas Stuffed Shells are a festive and comforting dish perfect for holiday gatherings. Filled with a creamy blend of cheeses and herbs, they bring warmth and joy to any table. This classic recipe is easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

• 20 jumbo pasta shells
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: Boil the jumbo pasta shells until they are al dente. Drain them carefully and set aside to cool.
3. Step 3: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the filling is smooth.
4. Step 4: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a baking dish.
5. Step 5: Stuff each cooled shell generously with the cheese mixture and arrange them in the baking dish on top of the sauce.
6. Step 6: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle extra mozzarella cheese on top.
7. Step 7: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
8. Step 8: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
9. Step 9: Let the shells rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a festive touch.

Tips & Variations

• For added flavor, mix cooked spinach or finely chopped cooked sausage into the cheese filling.
• Use no-boil jumbo shells to simplify prep time.
• Swap marinara for a homemade tomato sauce to personalize the dish.

Storage

Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions covered with a damp paper towel.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare stuffed shells ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the shells a day in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator and bake fresh when ready to serve.

Can I freeze leftover stuffed shells?

Absolutely. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.

Christmas Stuffed Shells: A Festive Comfort Classic for the Holidays Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 670 reviews

• Author: Simon
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Christmas Stuffed Shells recipe is a festive and comforting classic perfect for holiday gatherings. Jumbo pasta shells are filled with a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasonings, then baked in rich marinara sauce until golden and bubbly. Garnished with fresh basil, this dish combines cheesy, savory flavors with a festive presentation that will delight family and friends during the holidays.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta Shells

• 20 jumbo pasta shells

Cheese Filling

• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce and Garnish

• 3 cups marinara sauce
• Fresh basil for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the stuffed shells.
2. Cook Pasta Shells: Boil the jumbo pasta shells in salted water until they are al dente, which means they will be cooked but still firm to the bite. Drain and let them cool slightly to handle.
3. Prepare Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and egg. Add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
4. Prepare Baking Dish: Spread 1 cup of the marinara sauce evenly in the bottom of a baking dish. This prevents sticking and adds flavor to the shells.
5. Stuff Shells: Carefully fill each cooked shell with the cheese mixture, using a spoon or your hands, then arrange the stuffed shells snugly in the baking dish on top of the marinara sauce.
6. Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top of the stuffed shells. Sprinkle extra shredded mozzarella cheese on top for a bubbly, cheesy crust.
7. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and shell to heat through.
8. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes to brown the cheese until golden and bubbly.
9. Rest and Garnish: Let the baked shells rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a fragrant, festive touch.

Notes

• For a vegetarian option, ensure marinara sauce contains no meat products.
• Use fresh pasta shells if available to reduce boil time.
• You can prepare the filling a day in advance and refrigerate for convenience.
• To enhance flavor, add chopped spinach or cooked sausage to the cheese mixture as desired.
• Covering with foil during initial baking prevents the cheese from drying out.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: Christmas stuffed shells, baked pasta shells, holiday pasta recipe, cheesy stuffed shells, festive Italian dinner