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–+ servings
Christmas Stuffed Shells

Mouthwatering Christmas Stuffed Shells Your Family Will Love

Enjoy delightful Christmas Stuffed Shells filled with spinach and ricotta for a festive dinner everyone's sure to love.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 shells
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Filling
  • 2 cups Fresh Spinach Or thawed frozen spinach, properly drained.
  • 15 oz Ricotta Cheese Cottage cheese may be used as a lighter option.
  • 1 cup Pecorino Cheese Swap with Parmesan for a milder taste.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Fresh minced garlic yields the best taste.
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano Italian seasoning works well as a substitute.
  • 1 tsp Lemon Zest Optional but recommended.
  • 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes Adjust quantity to fit your spice preference.
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper
For the Pasta
  • 12 large Large Pasta Shells Be careful not to overcook them.
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil To prevent pasta shells from sticking.
For Serving
  • 2 cups Marinara Sauce Store-bought or homemade version.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Baking dish
  • Steamer Basket

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Steam the fresh or thawed spinach for about 1 minute, strain, and chop finely.
  3. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the large pasta shells for approximately 10 minutes until al dente. Drain and drizzle with olive oil.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine spinach, ricotta, pecorino, minced garlic, oregano, lemon zest (if using), red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well blended and creamy.
  5. Spread marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a baking dish. Carefully fill each cooked pasta shell with the filling and arrange them in a single layer on the marinara sauce.
  6. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
  7. Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving hot, optionally with extra marinara sauce on the side.

Nutrition

Serving: 1shellCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 15gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 350mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Ensure spinach is well-drained and pasta is cooked al dente for the best results.

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