Go Back
–+ servings
Easy Christmas Stuffed Shells Recipe

Cheesy Easy Christmas Stuffed Shells Recipe for Holiday Joy

This Easy Christmas Stuffed Shells Recipe is a delightful vegetarian dish filled with creamy ricotta and vibrant spinach, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Filling
  • 1 cup Spinach fresh or frozen
  • 1 cup Ricotta Cheese or cottage cheese for a lighter option
  • 1/2 cup Pecorino Cheese or Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon Oregano dried or fresh
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest or lime zest as alternative
  • 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes omit for milder taste
  • to taste Salt adjust to taste
  • to taste Black Pepper adjust to taste
For the Pasta and Sauce
  • 12 large Pasta Shells
  • 2 cups Marinara Sauce store-bought or homemade

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Large mixing bowl
  • large pot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Steam the spinach for about 1 minute until wilted, then chop finely.
  3. Cook the pasta shells in boiling salted water for 10 minutes until al dente, then drain and drizzle with olive oil.
  4. In a large bowl, mix chopped spinach, ricotta, pecorino, garlic, oregano, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper until creamy.
  5. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.
  6. Stuff each pasta shell with the filling and arrange them in the baking dish.
  7. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  8. Let rest for a few minutes and serve hot with extra marinara sauce on the side.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 18gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 30IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Ensure spinach is well-drained after steaming to prevent watery filling. Store assembled shells in the fridge up to 24 hours before baking for easier preparation.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!