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–+ servings
Christmas Stuffed Shells

Festive Christmas Stuffed Shells Bursting with Flavor

Enjoy delicious Christmas Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Ricotta, perfect for festive gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta and Filling
  • 12 oz Pasta shells Large oven-ready shells are essential for optimal stuffing.
  • 1 cup Spinach Can substitute with kale or Swiss chard for a different flavor.
  • 15 oz Ricotta cheese Consider using cottage cheese for a lighter option.
  • 1 cup Pecorino cheese You can use Parmesan as a substitute if needed.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Fresh minced garlic is best, but garlic powder will work.
  • 1 tsp Oregano Replace with Italian seasoning for a different herb mix.
  • 1 tsp Lemon zest Lime zest is a great twist!
  • 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes Omit for a milder dish or swap with black pepper.
For the Sauce and Topping
  • 2 cups Marinara sauce Store-bought or homemade works equally well.
  • 1 tbsp Olive oil Opt for extra virgin olive oil for enhanced flavor.

Equipment

  • Oven
  • large pot
  • Steamer Basket
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Baking dish

Method
 

Step-By-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) for even baking.
  2. Steam the spinach for about 1 minute until wilted, then cool and drain well.
  3. Boil salted water and cook the pasta shells for around 10 minutes until al dente, then toss with olive oil.
  4. Mix chopped spinach, ricotta, pecorino, minced garlic, oregano, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper until combined.
  5. Spread marinara sauce in a 9x13 baking dish before placing stuffed shells on top.
  6. Stuff each shell with the filling and arrange in the baking dish.
  7. Cover with foil and bake for about 20 minutes until heated through.
  8. Remove foil, let cool for a few minutes, then serve with extra marinara sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 15gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Drain spinach well to avoid soggy filling. Combine cheeses for a creamier texture. Allow shells to rest before serving.

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