Description
Christmas Stuffed Shells is a festive and comforting Italian-American classic featuring jumbo pasta shells generously filled with a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and herbs, all baked in rich marinara sauce. Perfect for holiday dinners, this dish combines cheesy goodness with the warmth of baked pasta, making it a crowd-pleaser during the festive season.
Ingredients
Shells and Cheese Filling
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce and Garnish
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- Extra shredded mozzarella cheese (approx. 1/2 cup) for topping
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed shells.
- Cook Pasta Shells: Boil the jumbo pasta shells in salted water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes, then drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and cool them for handling.
- Prepare Cheese Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, one egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well incorporated.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking and add moisture.
- Stuff Shells: Carefully fill each cooked pasta shell with the cheese mixture and arrange them in the baking dish over the marinara layer.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle extra shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top for a golden cheesy crust.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep moisture in and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Uncover and Continue Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese topping is golden brown and bubbly.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the stuffed shells rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving to add color and flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the pasta shells are cooled before stuffing to prevent them from breaking.
- You can prepare the dish in advance and refrigerate before baking. Add extra baking time if baking from cold.
- Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley for added flavor and garnish.
- Substitute whole-milk ricotta for a creamier texture or part-skim for a lighter version.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free jumbo pasta shells.
- Covering the baking dish prevents the shells from drying out and keeps the cheese melty.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
