Best Christmas Stuffed Shells are a festive twist on a classic dish that brings joy to your holiday table. These generously filled pasta shells are oozing with a creamy, cheesy blend that tantalizes the taste buds. With rich, savory aromas wafting through your kitchen, they create a warm and inviting atmosphere perfect for family gatherings. This recipe shines because it’s not only seasonal and easy to prepare, but also adaptable to different flavor profiles. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy night at home, these stuffed shells will be a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Best Christmas Stuffed Shells are the perfect addition to your holiday celebrations or a cozy winter dinner. They are easy to make yet impressive enough for guests, making them a great comfort food option during the colder months. Filled with creamy ricotta and bubbling mozzarella, each bite delivers a delightful explosion of flavor. This recipe is versatile, allowing you to customize the filling or sauce to your preference while being conveniently prepared ahead of time. It’s the ultimate balance of convenience, flavor, and heartwarming nostalgia.
Seasonal Ingredients Spotlight
The beauty of Best Christmas Stuffed Shells lies in the freshness of its seasonal ingredients. Look for vibrant green basil, rich in aroma, and plump, ripe tomatoes for your marinara sauce, evoking the essence of Italian cuisine. The creamy white ricotta and mozzarella adds a beautiful contrast against the deep red sauce, while the golden Parmesan offers a delightful crunch. Each ingredient is a celebration of local farms and sustainability, making every bite not just delicious, but also a reminder of the bounty of the season. Enjoy the textures and scents as you cook— the warmth and vibrant colors will uplift your holiday spirit.
What You’ll Need
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
These ingredients come together to create a symphony of flavor and texture. If you’re looking to switch things up, you can use cottage cheese for a lighter alternative or gluten-free pasta shells to make it dietary-friendly. Fresh herbs and seasonings will elevate the taste even further, while the cheeses add creaminess that complements the sauce beautifully.
How to Make This Recipe
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking and a perfectly bubbly cheese topping.
2. Cook the Pasta Shells
Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. The shells should have a slight bite, ensuring they don’t become mushy when baked.
3. Mix the Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. The consistency should be creamy and smooth, making it easy to fill the shells.
4. Fill the Pasta Shells
Fill each pasta shell with the cheese mixture and place them in a baking dish. Use a spoon or a small piping bag for neat, generous stuffing.
5. Add the Marinara Sauce
Spread marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, covering them completely. This layer will add moisture and flavor during baking.
6. Cover and Bake
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. This allows the shells to heat through while keeping the moisture locked in.
7. Uncover and Brown
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Keep an eye on it to avoid over-browning.
8. Garnish and Serve
Garnish with fresh basil before serving. This adds a pop of color and fresh flavor to your dish.
Essential Tools
- Mixing bowls
- Baking dish
- Spoon or piping bag (for stuffing)
- Cooking pot (for the pasta)
- Foil (to cover the dish while baking)
These simple kitchen tools make the cooking process easy and efficient. If you want to invest in high-quality cookware, look for non-stick baking dishes that ensure even cooking and easier cleanup.
Meal Prep & Storage Tips
You can prepare Best Christmas Stuffed Shells in advance by stuffing the shells and storing them covered in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. To store leftovers, allow them to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to three days or frozen for up to two months. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven until warmed through.
Perfect Pairings
Pair your Best Christmas Stuffed Shells with a refreshing green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish. An Italian red wine, such as Chianti, complements the flavors beautifully. For an added touch, serve with warm garlic bread, a perfect vehicle for mopping up any extra marinara sauce. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan just before serving adds a lovely finishing touch.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: ~180 kcal
- Fat: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 14 g
Avoid These Common Pitfalls
- Overcooking the Pasta: Make sure the shells are al dente; they will continue cooking in the oven.
- Dry Filling: If the cheese mixture feels dry, add a splash of milk to enhance creaminess.
- Too Much Sauce: Use moderation; too much sauce can make the shells soggy.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- For extra flavor, sauté garlic in olive oil and add it to your marinara sauce.
- Feel free to mix in spinach or other greens into the cheese filling for added nutrition and color.
- Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven for easier serving.
Recipe Variations to Explore
Consider experimenting with the filling by adding sautéed mushrooms or cooked sausage for a meaty variant. You could also swap the marinara sauce for a white sauce or pesto for a unique twist. Seasonal vegetables like zucchini or roasted peppers can give an extra layer of flavor and nutrition.
Dietary Adaptations & Safety Info
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta shells and ensure your marinara sauce is also gluten-free. To make this dish dairy-free, substitute the cheeses with vegan alternatives and use aquafaba instead of the egg. Always check labels for allergens when making substitutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these stuffed shells ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them the day before and store them in the refrigerator before baking.
How long should I bake them?
Bake covered for 25 minutes, then uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly.
Can I freeze stuffed shells?
Absolutely! They can be frozen before or after baking. Just ensure they are well covered to prevent freezer burn.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
You can use cottage cheese or blended tofu for a lighter alternative.
How do I know when they are done?
The cheese should be melted and slightly golden on top, and the edges of the pasta should be bubbly.
Final Thoughts & Next Steps
In summary, Best Christmas Stuffed Shells are a delightful addition to your holiday meal lineup, offering warmth, flavor, and festivity. We hope you enjoy making and sharing this delicious dish. Don’t forget to tag us in your photos, and check out more exciting recipes on our site! Happy cooking!
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Best Christmas Stuffed Shells
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive twist on a classic dish filled with a creamy, cheesy blend that brings joy to your holiday table.
Ingredients
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Fill each pasta shell with the cheese mixture and place them in a baking dish.
- Spread marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, covering them completely.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
Prepare in advance by stuffing shells and storing them in the refrigerator up to a day before. Cook any leftovers and store them in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: stuffed shells, holiday recipes, Christmas dinner
