If you’re craving something warm, comforting, and irresistibly cheesy this holiday season, look no further than this Christmas Stuffed Shells: A Festive Comfort Classic for the Holidays Recipe. This dish perfectly blends tender jumbo pasta shells with a rich, creamy ricotta and mozzarella filling, all smothered in vibrant marinara sauce. It’s the kind of recipe that brings festive cheer to the table, giving you that cozy, homemade feeling while impressing everyone with its beautiful presentation and festive flavors. Simple enough to prepare but hearty enough to satisfy, these stuffed shells truly capture the spirit of holiday comfort food.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with layers of ingredients. On one side, there is a mound of pale yellow grated cheese with a soft, curly texture. Next to it is a bright orange raw egg yolk with a smooth shiny surface, partially surrounded by the egg white. To the right, a large pile of fine, light beige breadcrumbs fills the space. Three small piles of spices sit on top of the cheese: a mound of finely ground black pepper, a heap of white salt, and a pile of greenish dried herbs with a rough texture. The layers and colors stand out clearly inside the transparent bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward essentials that come together to create a beautiful harmony of flavors and textures. Each one plays a key role in making this Christmas Stuffed Shells: A Festive Comfort Classic for the Holidays Recipe shine with cheesy goodness and festive flair.

20 jumbo pasta shells: Perfectly sized to hold a generous filling and give that classic stuffed shell look.
2 cups ricotta cheese: The creamy base that adds softness and tang to the filling.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Brings gooey, melty goodness to every bite.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, savory depth and a slight sharpness.
1 egg: Binds all the cheeses together to keep the filling firm and delicious.
1 tsp Italian seasoning: Infuses the filling with classic herb flavors that evoke the holidays.
1/2 tsp garlic powder: A subtle kick of garlic that heightens the savory profile.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
3 cups marinara sauce: A fresh, tangy sauce that ties the entire dish together and keeps it moist.
Fresh basil for garnish: Adds a pop of color and a hint of fragrant herbal freshness.

How to Make Christmas Stuffed Shells: A Festive Comfort Classic for the Holidays Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta Shells

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it will be ready once your shells are stuffed. Meanwhile, boil the jumbo pasta shells in salted water until they are just al dente – tender but still with a slight bite. This ensures they hold shape when baked without becoming mushy. Drain and cool them gently so they’re easy to handle during filling.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Filling

In a large bowl, mix together the ricotta, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and the egg. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper. Stir everything until fully combined into a creamy, flavorful filling that’s packed with cheesy goodness. This mixture is what makes this Christmas Stuffed Shells: A Festive Comfort Classic for the Holidays Recipe so decadently delicious.

Step 3: Assemble the Dish

Spread one cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of your baking dish. Carefully stuff each cooled jumbo shell with a heaping spoonful of the cheese filling and place them seam side up in the dish. Once all shells are nestled in, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top and sprinkle extra mozzarella for that golden, bubbly finish.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil to trap moisture and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking another 10 minutes until the sauce bubbles and the cheese topping turns a beautiful golden brown. Let the shells rest for 5 minutes before serving to let all the flavors meld and textures settle. Finally, garnish with fresh basil leaves to add a festive pop of color and fresh herbal aroma.

How to Serve Christmas Stuffed Shells: A Festive Comfort Classic for the Holidays Recipe

The image shows a white dish filled with large pasta shells baked with layers of melted cheese and tomato sauce. Each shell is generously covered with a layer of melted, bubbly white cheese that is slightly browned on top, with red tomato sauce peeking through. The shells are arranged closely together, creating a textured, colorful pattern of creamy white cheese, bright red sauce, and a sprinkle of green herbs on top. A metal spoon is lifting one pasta shell, highlighting the gooey cheese and sauce inside. The dish rests on a surface with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves are the perfect finishing touch, adding a vibrant green contrast that makes the dish look as festive as it tastes. You can also sprinkle a little additional grated Parmesan just before serving for an extra hit of savory flavor and cheese appeal.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with crisp, refreshing sides such as a simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots. Garlic bread or a warm baguette also complements the cheesy richness perfectly, making the meal feel complete and festive.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special holiday presentation, arrange the stuffed shells in a circle or spiral pattern within the baking dish. Add a few whole basil sprigs or even edible flowers for a charming touch. Serving directly from the dish at the table creates an inviting, family-style experience that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, making the shells even more delicious the next day.

Freezing

This Christmas Stuffed Shells: A Festive Comfort Classic for the Holidays Recipe freezes very well. Store the assembled, unbaked dish tightly wrapped in foil or in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as instructed.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the shells with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Remove the foil at the last 5 minutes to refresh that golden bubbly cheese topping. Avoid microwaving for best texture and flavor retention.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?

Absolutely! While ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan are traditional for this recipe’s creamy, comforting texture, you can experiment with cream cheese, goat cheese, or even fontina for unique twists on the flavor.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

This Christmas Stuffed Shells: A Festive Comfort Classic for the Holidays Recipe is naturally vegetarian as written, since it relies on cheese and herbs. Just be sure your marinara sauce doesn’t contain meat or animal-based broth.

How do I prevent the pasta shells from breaking?

Cook the pasta shells just until al dente and drain them very carefully. Rinse with cold water to stop cooking, then handle gently when stuffing to keep each shell intact.

Can I prepare the dish ahead of time before baking?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells a day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking from cold.

What’s the best way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Look for jumbo gluten-free pasta shells available at many grocery stores. Just cook according to their package instructions before stuffing and baking in this Christmas Stuffed Shells: A Festive Comfort Classic for the Holidays Recipe.

Final Thoughts

Once you make this Christmas Stuffed Shells: A Festive Comfort Classic for the Holidays Recipe, it’s bound to become a cherished tradition on your holiday table. Its comforting layers of cheese, herbs, and marinara are like a warm hug at the end of a chilly day, and it’s simple enough to prepare with plenty of room for personalization. Don’t hesitate to give this delicious, festive classic a try – your taste buds and loved ones will thank you for it!