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+ servings
Christmas Stuffed Shells

Cheesy Christmas Stuffed Shells to Warm Your Holidays

Delicious Christmas Stuffed Shells filled with creamy ricotta and spinach, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Shells
  • 12 jumbo shells Jumbo Pasta Shells
For the Filling
  • 10 ounces Fresh Spinach Steamed
  • 15 ounces Ricotta Cheese Or cottage cheese for a lighter option
  • 1 cup Pecorino Cheese Or Parmesan if needed
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced
  • 1 teaspoon Oregano Or Italian seasoning as alternative
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Zest
  • 1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Adjust to taste
  • to taste Salt & Black Pepper
For the Sauce and Finishing Touch
  • 2 cups Marinara Sauce Store-bought or homemade
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil To prevent sticking

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Steamer Basket
  • 9x13 baking dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Christmas Stuffed Shells
  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Gather your equipment including a large pot, a steamer basket, and a 9x13 baking dish.
  2. Steam the spinach in the steamer basket over simmering water for about 1 minute until wilted.
  3. Drain excess liquid from the spinach by squeezing it, then chop finely.
  4. Cook the jumbo pasta shells in salted boiling water for about 10 minutes until al dente. Drain and drizzle with olive oil.
  5. In a mixing bowl, combine chopped spinach, ricotta, pecorino, garlic, oregano, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
  6. Spread a layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of the baking dish. Stuff each shell with the filling and place in the dish.
  7. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for about 20 minutes.
  8. Remove the foil and serve with extra marinara sauce if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 18gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 2500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Assemble and store the shells in the fridge a day before to save time on the day of your gathering.

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