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–+ servings
Christmas Stuffed Shells

Irresistible Christmas Stuffed Shells Bursting with Flavor

These Christmas Stuffed Shells are a delightful vegetarian dish filled with spinach and ricotta, perfect for holiday gatherings.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta Shells
  • 12 pieces Jumbo Pasta Shells Choose large shells to hold the stuffing.
Filling
  • 2 cups Spinach Fresh or frozen (thawed).
  • 1 cup Ricotta Cheese Substitute with cottage cheese for a lighter option.
  • 1/2 cup Pecorino Cheese Parmesan is a fine swap if preferred.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Fresh minced garlic adds depth.
  • 1 teaspoon Oregano Use fresh if available.
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest Brightens flavors.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Adjust according to your taste.
  • to taste Salt & Black Pepper Essential for balancing flavors.
Sauce
  • 2 cups Marinara Sauce Homemade or store-bought.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Mixing bowl
  • 9x13 baking dish
  • Saucepan
  • Aluminum Foil

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Steam the spinach until wilted, about 1 minute. Chop finely.
  3. Cook the jumbo pasta shells in boiling salted water for about 10 minutes until al dente. Drain and drizzle with olive oil.
  4. In a bowl, mix the cooked spinach, ricotta, pecorino, garlic, oregano, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
  5. Spread marinara sauce evenly in a baking dish.
  6. Stuff each shell with the spinach and ricotta filling and arrange in the baking dish.
  7. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  8. Remove the foil, cool for a few minutes, and serve with extra marinara sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 12gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Tips: Thoroughly drain spinach, cook pasta al dente, and customize filling as desired. Assemble shells a day ahead for ease.

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