Why Make This Recipe

Best Christmas Stuffed Shells are a delightful and festive dish that brings comfort to your holiday table. They are easy to prepare and can be a great way to feed a crowd. The creamy cheese filling wrapped in tender pasta shells, topped with rich marinara sauce, makes for a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Plus, they look beautiful when served, making them perfect for special occasions.

How to Make Best Christmas Stuffed Shells

Ingredients:

• 16 jumbo pasta shells
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 jar marinara sauce
• Fresh basil for garnish

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and Italian seasoning.
4. Stuff each cooked shell with the cheesy mixture.
5. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.
6. Place the stuffed shells in the dish and cover with the remaining marinara sauce.
7. Sprinkle extra mozzarella on top if desired.
8. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
10. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

How to Serve Best Christmas Stuffed Shells

Serve Best Christmas Stuffed Shells hot from the oven. They pair nicely with a side salad and some garlic bread. For a festive touch, you can sprinkle extra fresh basil or chopped parsley on top before serving. This dish is also great for leftovers, so feel free to make extra!

How to Store Best Christmas Stuffed Shells

To store any leftover stuffed shells, let them cool completely before putting them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to store them longer, consider freezing them. Just make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap and foil, and they can last for about two months in the freezer.

Tips to Make Best Christmas Stuffed Shells

• Make sure to cook the pasta shells just to al dente. They will continue to cook in the oven.
• Feel free to add your favorite herbs or vegetables to the cheese mixture for extra flavor.
• If you want a creamier sauce, you can add a bit of cream or more ricotta cheese to the filling.

Variation

You can customize this recipe by adding cooked ground meat, spinach, or any other favorite ingredients to the cheese mixture. This way, you can tailor it to suit your taste!

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed shells in advance and store them in the fridge. Just bake them right before serving.

Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! You can mix different cheeses like goat cheese, feta, or even a blend of Italian cheeses for a unique flavor.

What if I don’t have jumbo shells?
If you can’t find jumbo shells, you can use regular pasta like manicotti or even small shells. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.