Description
This Festive Christmas Stuffed Pasta features jumbo shells filled with creamy ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, spinach, and roasted red peppers. It’s colorful, cozy, and perfect for a holiday table—either as a hearty vegetarian main or a comforting side dish.
Ingredients
20 jumbo pasta shells
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups baby spinach, chopped
1 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
15 oz ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
2 cups marinara sauce
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Boil the jumbo shells in salted water until just al dente. Drain and lay them on a baking sheet to prevent sticking.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion until soft, then add the garlic, spinach, and roasted red peppers. Cook until the spinach wilts. Let cool slightly.
3. In a large bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Stir in the cooled vegetable mixture.
4. Fill each shell generously with the cheese and veggie mixture.
5. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce in a 9×13″ baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells in the dish. Spoon the remaining marinara over the top and sprinkle with extra mozzarella and Parmesan if desired.
6. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until bubbly and golden. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm.
Notes
You can prep the stuffed shells and refrigerate up to 2 days before baking.
For extra richness, add a sprinkle of nutmeg or a bit of cream to the filling.
This recipe freezes well—assemble and freeze before baking for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 to 4 shells
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Christmas pasta, stuffed shells, vegetarian Christmas