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

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4.2 from 2 reviews

Christmas Stuffed Shells are a festive and comforting Italian-American classic, perfect for holiday gatherings. Jumbo pasta shells are filled with a creamy mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, seasoned with Italian herbs and baked in a rich marinara sauce until golden and bubbly. Garnished with fresh basil, this dish combines cheesy goodness with traditional holiday warmth, making it an inviting centerpiece for your Christmas meal.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 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
  • Additional shredded mozzarella cheese for topping (about 1/2 cup)
  • Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready to bake your stuffed shells evenly.
  2. Cook Shells: Boil the jumbo pasta shells in salted water until al dente, then drain them carefully and allow them to cool so they’re easier to handle for stuffing.
  3. Prepare Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well blended.
  4. Prepare Baking Dish: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly in the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking and add flavor.
  5. Stuff Shells: Carefully fill each cooked pasta shell with the cheese mixture and arrange them seam side up in the prepared baking dish.
  6. Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle additional shredded mozzarella cheese on top for a bubbly, cheesy crust.
  7. Cover and Bake: Cover the dish tightly with foil to keep moisture in and bake for 25 minutes, allowing the cheeses to meld and the shells to heat through.
  8. Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly, adding a delightful texture and color.
  9. Rest and Garnish: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to set, then garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving to add a fragrant, fresh note.

Notes

  • For easier handling, cool the shells on a baking sheet lined with parchment after boiling.
  • You can prepare the filling a day ahead to save time on the day of serving.
  • If you prefer, substitute egg with a flax egg for a vegetarian option.
  • Leftover stuffed shells can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated covered to maintain moisture.
  • Use low-fat cheeses to reduce fat content if desired, though it may affect creaminess.
  • Author: Monica
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://monicarecipes.com/christmas-stuffed-shells-a-festive-comfort-classic-for-the-holidays-recipe/