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Christmas Stuffed Shells

Cheesy Christmas Stuffed Shells for a Cozy Holiday Feast

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Enjoy these Christmas Stuffed Shells filled with creamy ricotta and spinach, a perfect option for your holiday dinner.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Shells
  • 12 jumbo shells pasta shells The foundation of this dish.
For the Filling
  • 2 cups spinach Fresh or frozen, squeeze out excess moisture if using frozen.
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese Substitute with cottage cheese for a lighter version.
  • 1 cup pecorino cheese Can substitute with Parmesan if needed.
  • 2 cloves garlic Use fresh or garlic powder as a substitute.
  • 1 teaspoon oregano Italian seasoning can be a handy substitution.
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest Can be omitted if necessary.
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes Optional for a mild touch of heat.
  • to taste salt
  • to taste black pepper
For the Sauce
  • 2 cups marinara sauce Use homemade or store-bought.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • 9x13 baking dish
  • small saucepan
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Gather your ingredients and equipment.
  2. Steam the spinach over medium heat until wilted, about 1 minute. Chop finely and squeeze excess moisture if using frozen.
  3. Boil salted water and cook pasta shells for approximately 10 minutes until al dente. Drain and toss with olive oil.
  4. In a large bowl, combine spinach, ricotta, pecorino, garlic, oregano, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
  5. Spread marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Stuff each shell with filling and place in the dish seam side up.
  6. Cover with foil and bake for about 20 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and cheese is lightly browned.
  7. Remove foil and let cool for a few minutes. Serve with additional marinara on top.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 22gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Ensure spinach is well-drained and season to taste. Cook pasta shells al dente to maintain texture during baking.

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