Go Back

Christmas Stuffed Shells

A warm, crowd-pleasing dish featuring creamy cheese-filled pasta shells topped with marinara, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Festive, Italian
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Sauce
  • 20 pieces jumbo pasta shells
  • 3 cups marinara sauce Divided
Cheese Filling
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese Use full-fat for creaminess
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Use extra for topping
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg Helps bind the filling
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
  • Fresh basil For garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Boil shells until al dente, then drain and cool.
  3. Mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and seasonings in a bowl.
  4. Spread 1 cup of marinara in the bottom of a baking dish.
  5. Stuff each shell with cheese filling and place in the dish.
Baking
  1. Top with the remaining marinara and extra mozzarella.
  2. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  3. Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.
  4. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with basil.

Notes

Serve hot, paired with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, and a light red wine or sparkling beverage. For storage, refrigerate cooled shells in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days or freeze in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months.