Go Back
Christmas Stuffed Pasta
Michonne Zendaya

Christmas Stuffed Pasta

This Christmas stuffed pasta is a festive holiday dish featuring jumbo pasta shells filled with creamy ricotta, spinach, and mozzarella, baked in marinara sauce, and topped with melted cheese. A perfect centerpiece for Christmas dinner.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 380
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 20 jumbo pasta shells
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 egg egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 3 cups marinara sauce
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (optional)

Equipment

  • skillet
  • large pot
  • mixing bowl
  • baking dish
  • aluminum foil
  • measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Set aside to cool slightly.
  3. In a large bowl, mix ricotta, half the mozzarella, Parmesan, spinach mixture, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until combined.
  4. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Stuff each shell with the ricotta mixture and arrange in the dish.
  5. Pour remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese.
  6. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Garnish with fresh basil before serving if desired.

Notes

Make ahead by assembling the pasta shells and refrigerating overnight before baking. Add red marinara and green spinach for festive holiday colors. Serve with garlic bread and salad.