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–+ servings
Christmas Stuffed Shells Recipe

Cheesy Christmas Stuffed Shells Recipe for Holiday Joy

This Christmas Stuffed Shells Recipe combines cheesy goodness and fresh spinach for a delightful holiday dinner option.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 shells
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 pieces Pasta Shells Use large pasta shells
For the Filling
  • 1 cup Spinach Finely chopped after steaming
  • 1 cup Ricotta Cheese Can use cottage cheese for a lighter alternative
  • 0.5 cup Pecorino Cheese Parmesan works as a substitute
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced, fresh preferred
  • 1 teaspoon Oregano Both dried and fresh can be used
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest Can use orange zest as a twist
  • 0.25 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Omit for a milder option
  • to taste Salt Essential for seasoning
  • to taste Black Pepper Essential for seasoning
For the Marinara Sauce
  • 2 cups Marinara Sauce Store-bought or homemade

Equipment

  • Large baking dish
  • Pot for boiling pasta
  • Steamer or microwave-safe bowl

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and gather your ingredients and equipment.
  2. Steam the fresh spinach for about 1 minute until wilted, then chop finely and squeeze out excess water.
  3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the pasta shells and cook for approximately 10 minutes until al dente. Drizzle with olive oil after draining.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, pecorino cheese, minced garlic, oregano, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper until creamy and well-blended.
  5. Pour a layer of marinara sauce into the baking dish.
  6. Stuff each pasta shell with the filling mixture and arrange in the baking dish.
  7. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for about 20 minutes. Uncover and allow to cool before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1shellCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 12gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

For convenience, prepare the shells a day ahead and refrigerate before baking. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving for an added festive touch.

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