Easy Christmas Stuffed Pasta

Why Make This Recipe

Easy Christmas Stuffed Pasta is an excellent choice for your holiday gathering. It’s comforting, festive, and packed with delicious flavors that everyone will love. Plus, it’s simple to prepare, allowing you to spend more time with family and friends while enjoying a lovely meal.

How to Make Easy Christmas Stuffed Pasta

Ingredients

• 12-16 pasta shells
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup cooked spinach (squeezed dry)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set them aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, cooked spinach, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff each pasta shell with the cheese mixture.
5. Spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
6. Place the stuffed pasta shells on top of the sauce in the baking dish.
7. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
8. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
10. Let cool slightly before serving.

How to Serve Easy Christmas Stuffed Pasta

Serve Easy Christmas Stuffed Pasta hot from the oven. You can garnish with some fresh basil or extra Parmesan cheese for a festive touch. Pair it with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal that will impress your guests.

How to Store Easy Christmas Stuffed Pasta

Leftover stuffed pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven.

Tips to Make Easy Christmas Stuffed Pasta

• Make sure to squeeze out as much water as you can from the cooked spinach. This helps avoid a watery filling.
• Feel free to mix in some other ingredients such as cooked mushrooms or diced tomatoes into the cheese filling for added flavor.
• You can prepare the stuffed shells ahead of time and just pop them in the oven when you are ready to serve.

Variation

For a twist on this recipe, consider substituting the marinara sauce with alfredo sauce. This will give the dish a creamy texture and a different flavor.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, you can use other large pasta types, like cannelloni or manicotti, if you can’t find pasta shells.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! This recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it uses no meat. Just make sure all your ingredients, like the marinara sauce, are vegetarian.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can use gluten-free pasta shells available at most grocery stores. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.