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Christmas Stuffed Shells

Savory Christmas Stuffed Shells That Warm the Heart

This Christmas Stuffed Shells recipe features creamy ricotta, aromatic herbs, and gooey mozzarella, making it a comforting addition to your holiday table.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 pieces Jumbo pasta shells Cook al dente
For the Filling
  • 15 oz Ricotta cheese Creamy filling base
  • 1 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese For gooey goodness
  • ½ cup Grated Parmesan cheese Adds salty depth
  • 1 pinch Nutmeg Optional for a festive touch
  • 1 tbsp Dried Italian herbs Infuses classic flavors
  • 1 tsp Garlic powder Enhances flavor
For the Sauce
  • 2 cups Marinara sauce Homemade or store-bought
  • 1 tbsp Olive oil For greasing the baking dish

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking Dish
  • Mixing bowl
  • Pot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease your baking dish with olive oil.
  2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the jumbo pasta shells until al dente, about 9-11 minutes.
  3. Drain the shells and lay them on a clean towel to cool slightly.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, ¾ cup of shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, dried Italian herbs, and nutmeg if desired. Mix until well-blended.
  5. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish.
  6. Stuff each pasta shell with the cheese mixture and place them seam-side up in the baking dish.
  7. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the filled shells and sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella on top.
  8. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
  9. Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 15gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

These Christmas Stuffed Shells can be prepared ahead of time, making them perfect for holiday gatherings. Adjust seasonings to your taste, and cover during the initial bake for moisture.

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