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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the stuffed shells.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes to brown the cheese until golden and bubbly.
- 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
