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–+ servings
Christmas Stuffed Shells

Christmas Stuffed Shells: A Cheesy Holiday Comfort Dish

Experience the joy of Christmas with these Christmas Stuffed Shells, a delightful vegetarian dish full of flavor and festive cheer.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 pieces jumbo pasta shells for the best stuffing capacity
For the Filling
  • 1 cup fresh spinach can substitute with kale if desired
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese substitute with cottage cheese for a lighter option
  • 1 cup pecorino cheese Parmesan can be substituted
  • 2 cloves garlic opt for fresh minced garlic
  • 1 tsp oregano dried oregano works well if fresh is unavailable
  • 1 tsp lemon zest can replace with lime zest
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes omit for a milder dish
  • to taste salt adjust to taste based on saltiness of the cheese
  • to taste black pepper
For Assembly
  • 2 cups marinara sauce either store-bought or homemade

Equipment

  • 9×13 baking dish
  • large pot
  • Mixing bowl
  • colander
  • clean dish towel

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Gather all ingredients and a 9×13 baking dish.
  2. Steam the fresh spinach over medium heat for about 3–5 minutes, then chop finely and squeeze out moisture.
  3. Boil salted water and cook the jumbo pasta shells for about 10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse.
  4. In a bowl, combine spinach, ricotta, pecorino, garlic, oregano, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and black pepper.
  5. Spread a layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of the baking dish to prevent sticking.
  6. Stuff each shell with the filling and arrange them seam side up in the baking dish.
  7. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  8. Remove foil, check if heated through, and serve hot with extra marinara sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 2500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 350mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Can freeze uncooked shells for up to 3 months.

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