Introduction
The Easy Christmas Stuffed Shells Recipe is a classic Italian dish that never fails to bring comfort and joy to family dinners and special occasions. This recipe is a staple for many reasons – it’s easy to make, rich in flavor, and offers a perfect balance of tangy tomato sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and melted mozzarella. The Easy Christmas Stuffed Shells Recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious and satisfying meal.
The aroma of freshly baked stuffed shells filled with spinach, ricotta, and Parmesan is sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more. The combination of garlic, basil, and oregano adds a depth of flavor that complements the cheesy filling perfectly. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal, the Easy Christmas Stuffed Shells Recipe is sure to impress.
In this article, we’ll dive into the world of stuffed shells and explore what makes this recipe so special. From the flaky pasta to the rich sauce, we’ll cover it all. So, let’s get started and discover the magic of the Easy Christmas Stuffed Shells Recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Easy Christmas Stuffed Shells Recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves Italian food. The ease of making this recipe is unparalleled – simply cook the pasta, prepare the filling, and assemble the shells. The rich, creamy filling made with ricotta, spinach, and cheese is a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The marinara sauce adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor that complements the cheesy goodness perfectly. If you want to learn more about making the perfect marinara sauce, check out our article on the topic.
The best part about this recipe is that it’s highly customizable. You can add your favorite ingredients to the filling, such as meatballs or sausage, to give it a personal touch. The Easy Christmas Stuffed Shells Recipe is also a great option for meal prep – simply assemble the shells, freeze them, and bake them when you’re ready for a delicious meal.
So, what are you waiting for? Try the Easy Christmas Stuffed Shells Recipe today and experience the comfort and joy of a classic Italian dish.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious recipe:
- 18-20 jumbo pasta shells (boil extra in case some break)
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 15 oz (approx. 425g) ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 24 oz (approx. 680g) marinara sauce
- Fresh parsley, to garnish
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
When it comes to the ingredients, there are a few things to keep in mind. Fresh spinach is essential for this recipe, as it adds a burst of flavor and nutrients. If you can’t find fresh spinach, you can use frozen spinach as a substitute. Just be sure to thaw it first and squeeze out as much water as possible.
The ricotta cheese is also a crucial component of this recipe. Look for high-quality ricotta that’s made with whole milk and has a smooth, creamy texture. You can also use cottage cheese as a substitute, but keep in mind that it has a slightly different texture and flavor. For more information on cottage cheese recipes, check out our article.
The marinara sauce is another important ingredient in this recipe. You can use store-bought marinara sauce, but homemade sauce is always better. Simply cook down some canned tomatoes with garlic, onion, and herbs, and you’ll have a delicious and flavorful sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Boil the 18-20 jumbo pasta shells in salted water for about 1 minute less than the al dente time indicated on the package, approximately 13 minutes. Drain and rinse the shells gently with cold water to prevent sticking, then set aside.
- Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the 3 cloves of minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the 4 cups of fresh spinach to the skillet and toss to coat in the oil. Cook for about 3 minutes until the spinach is wilted. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Combine the 15 oz (approx. 425g) ricotta cheese, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley, and 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano in a large mixing bowl.
- Add half of the 3 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, most of the 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (reserving some for topping), 2 tablespoons cream cheese, and 1 large egg to the bowl. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Fold the cooled spinach and garlic mixture into the cheese filling until evenly distributed.
- Spread half of the 24 oz (approx. 680g) marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish.
- Fill each pasta shell with the cheese mixture using a spoon, then arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and the reserved grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving warm.
Visual Guide & Tips
As you assemble the stuffed shells, make sure to leave a little space between each shell to allow for even cooking. You can also use a piping bag to fill the shells with the cheese mixture, which can make the process easier and more efficient.
When baking the shells, keep an eye on them to ensure that the cheese doesn’t get too brown. You can cover the dish with foil again if the cheese starts to brown too quickly.
Expert Tips & Troubleshooting
One of the most common mistakes people make when making stuffed shells is overcooking the pasta. This can make the shells brittle and prone to breaking. To avoid this, cook the pasta for about 1 minute less than the al dente time indicated on the package.
Another common issue is the cheese not melting properly. This can be due to a variety of factors, including the type of cheese used or the oven temperature. To ensure that the cheese melts evenly, use a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and bake the shells at a moderate temperature (375°F or 190°C).
If you encounter any issues during the cooking process, don’t worry! Here are some troubleshooting tips to help you out:
- If the pasta is overcooked, try using a slightly undercooked pasta next time.
- If the cheese is not melting properly, try using a different type of cheese or adjusting the oven temperature.
- If the shells are not browning evenly, try rotating the dish halfway through the baking time.
Storage & Freezing
Storing and freezing stuffed shells is easy and convenient. Here are some tips to help you store and freeze your shells:
- Cool the shells completely before storing or freezing them.
- Store the shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze the shells in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheat the shells in the oven or microwave until warm and bubbly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Easy Christmas Stuffed Shells Recipe:
- Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
- A: Yes, you can use gluten-free jumbo pasta shells to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Q: How do I prevent pasta shells from sticking?
- A: Rinse the pasta shells with cold water after cooking to prevent sticking.
- Q: Can I add meat to this recipe?
- A: Yes, you can add cooked meat (such as ground beef or sausage) to the cheese filling for added flavor and protein.
- Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- A: Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells and store them in the refrigerator or freezer until you’re ready to bake them.
- Q: How do I reheat the shells?
- A: You can reheat the shells in the oven or microwave until warm and bubbly.
Conclusion
The Easy Christmas Stuffed Shells Recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy cheese filling, tangy marinara sauce, and flaky pasta, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal, the Easy Christmas Stuffed Shells Recipe is a great option. For more delicious Italian recipes, check out our creamy lemon chicken pasta recipe.
So, what are you waiting for? Try the Easy Christmas Stuffed Shells Recipe today and experience the comfort and joy of a classic Italian dish. Don’t forget to share your experiences and photos with me on social media @EvasRecipes!
Did you make this? Pin it on Pinterest or tag me on Instagram @EvasRecipes!
Classic Stuffed Shells
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Boil the 18-20 jumbo pasta shells in salted water for about 1 minute less than the al dente time indicated on the package, approximately 13 minutes. Drain and rinse the shells gently with cold water to prevent sticking, then set aside.
- Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the 3 cloves of minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the 4 cups of fresh spinach to the skillet and toss to coat in the oil. Cook for about 3 minutes until the spinach is wilted. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Combine the 15 oz ricotta cheese, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley, and 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano in a large mixing bowl.
- Add half of the 3 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, most of the 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (reserving some for topping), 2 tablespoons cream cheese, and 1 large egg to the bowl. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Fold the cooled spinach and garlic mixture into the cheese filling until evenly distributed.
- Spread half of the 24 oz marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish.
- Fill each pasta shell with the cheese mixture using a spoon, then arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and the reserved grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving warm.