If you’re searching for a heartwarming dish to bring joy and comfort to your holiday table, look no further than this Christmas Stuffed Shells: A Festive Comfort Classic for the Holidays Recipe. Imagine tender jumbo pasta shells generously filled with a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, seasoned perfectly to create a cozy, satisfying meal. Topped with rich marinara sauce and baked until bubbling and golden, these stuffed shells make for a festive centerpiece that delights both the eyes and the palate. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish embodies the spirit of the season in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl holds several ingredients layered and grouped clearly. At the bottom left, there are white shredded pieces with a soft texture. On top of this layer, near the bottom left, there is a pile of coarse black pepper. Just above the pepper, a small mound of coarse white salt sits. Near the center top, a pile of green dried herbs is placed. To the right side of the bowl, there is a mound of pale beige breadcrumbs with a rough texture. On the top right, a single raw egg yolk with a smooth and shiny surface sits, with the egg white surrounding it slightly. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the first step to nailing the perfect Christmas Stuffed Shells: A Festive Comfort Classic for the Holidays Recipe. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the creamy cheeses providing luscious texture to the marinara sauce adding vibrant color and flavor. This dish is an excellent example of how basic pantry staples can come together to create something truly special.

20 jumbo pasta shells: These large shells are perfect for stuffing and will hold the delicious cheese filling beautifully.
2 cups ricotta cheese: The base of the creamy filling, lending a smooth and slightly tangy richness.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds melty, gooey texture and mild flavor that complements the ricotta.
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Provides a sharp, nutty contrast to the softer cheeses.
1 egg: Acts as a binder to hold the filling together for easy stuffing and baking.
1 tsp Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that infuses the cheese mix with classic Mediterranean herbs.
½ tsp garlic powder: Offers subtle garlicky depth without overpowering the filling.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing all the flavors in the filling.
3 cups marinara sauce: Rich and tangy, it blankets the shells and keeps everything moist during baking.
Fresh basil for garnish: Adds a pop of festive green color and fresh herbal brightness just before serving.

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

Step 1: Prepare Pasta Shells

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your jumbo pasta shells until they’re al dente, which means tender but still holding their shape perfectly. Drain them carefully and allow them to cool slightly so they’re easier to handle without breaking.

Step 2: Mix the Cheese Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses with the egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together gently but thoroughly until you have a smooth, creamy filling that’s bursting with flavor and ready to stuff inside the shells.

Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish

Spoon 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of your baking dish. This base layer prevents the shells from sticking and infuses the dish with that classic tomato richness from the very first bite.

Step 4: Stuff the Shells

Using a small spoon or your fingers, carefully fill each cooked shell with a generous portion of the cheese mixture. Place the stuffed shells in the baking dish, nestled close together so they bake evenly and maintain their shape.

Step 5: Add Topping and Bake

Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, making sure each one is nicely coated. Sprinkle extra mozzarella on top for a golden, gooey finish. Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Then uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes so the cheese bubbles and develops a beautiful golden crust.

Step 6: Rest and Garnish

Once out of the oven, let your Christmas Stuffed Shells: A Festive Comfort Classic for the Holidays Recipe rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to settle and makes serving easier. Finally, sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the top for a fragrant and colorful holiday touch.

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

The image shows a white oval dish filled with large pasta shells arranged closely together in one layer. Each shell is stuffed with a creamy white cheese mixture mixed with green spinach pieces, creating a marbled green-and-white texture. The shells sit on a rich red tomato sauce that surrounds them in the dish's base. The cheese on the shells is slightly browned and bubbly from baking, with some melted bits on top, adding a golden touch. A silver serving spoon holds one shell, lifting it slightly, showing the rich filling inside. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh basil is a must-have vibrant garnish that gives a burst of herbal freshness and beautiful green contrast to the rich reds and creamy whites of this dish. You can also add a sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan for a cheesy finish that everyone will love.

Side Dishes

Light, crisp side salads with lemon vinaigrette balance the richness of the stuffed shells perfectly. Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or asparagus add a festive touch and round out the meal with delicious textures and seasonal flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the shells in the baking dish right at the table for a rustic, cozy feel. For a more elegant presentation, plate individual servings on white dishes and drizzle with extra marinara and basil oil. You can also add edible flowers or pomegranate seeds on the side to really make it stand out for your holiday guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Christmas Stuffed Shells: A Festive Comfort Classic for the Holidays Recipe keeps surprisingly well in the fridge. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, making sure to press a layer of plastic wrap directly over the shells to keep them moist.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully, which is great for holiday meal prep. After assembling but before baking, cover the dish tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, bake the stuffed shells straight from frozen—just add extra time to ensure they thaw through and cook evenly.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, cover the dish with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, just be sure to cover to retain moisture and prevent drying.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?

Absolutely! While the blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates the classic flavor, you can add or substitute cheeses like cottage cheese, fontina, or even a bit of goat cheese depending on your preference. Just keep the texture creamy and well-balanced.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

This recipe is already vegetarian as it contains no meat. Just be sure to check that your marinara sauce and cheeses are free from animal-derived rennet if you’re serving strict vegetarians.

Can I prepare the stuffed shells ahead of time and bake later?

Yes! You can prepare the shells and cheese filling a day ahead, assemble everything in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate. When ready, just bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

How do I prevent the pasta shells from breaking?

Cook the pasta shells until just al dente and handle them gently while cooling and stuffing. Avoid overcooking as that makes them fragile. Using a slotted spoon to transfer shells to a baking dish helps minimize breakage.

What can I serve with these Christmas Stuffed Shells for a complete meal?

Pair your stuffed shells with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, and roasted winter vegetables to create a well-rounded festive meal that celebrates the best of holiday comfort food.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about gathering around the table and sharing a dish like this Christmas Stuffed Shells: A Festive Comfort Classic for the Holidays Recipe. It’s comforting, festive, and incredibly satisfying—a beautiful reminder of why food brings people together. Give this recipe a try this season, and watch it become one of your go-to holiday favorites for years to come.