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Christmas Stuffed Shells

Discover Comfort with Christmas Stuffed Shells Delight

Christmas Stuffed Shells are a magical blend of spinach and cheeses in tender pasta shells, perfect for holiday gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 shells
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Shells
  • 12 pieces Pasta shells Use large, tubular pasta shells for optimal stuffing.
For the Filling
  • 2 cups Fresh spinach Can use frozen spinach if drained.
  • 1 cup Ricotta cheese Offers creaminess; cottage cheese can be swapped.
  • 0.5 cups Pecorino cheese Substitute with Parmesan if desired.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Use fresh for best flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Oregano Dried is convenient, fresh elevates taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon zest Brightens the filling.
  • 0.25 teaspoon Red pepper flakes Omit for milder flavor.
  • to taste Salt Season to taste.
  • to taste Black pepper Season to taste.
For the Sauce
  • 2 cups Marinara sauce Store-bought or homemade.
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil Prevents sticking during boiling.

Equipment

  • pot
  • Baking dish
  • Large mixing bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. In a medium pot, steam fresh spinach for about 1 minute.
  3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta shells for approximately 10 minutes until al dente.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine spinach with ricotta, pecorino, garlic, oregano, lemon zest, pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
  5. Spread marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  6. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the filling and arrange in the baking dish.
  7. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  8. Remove foil and let sit for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1shellCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 12gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 8mg

Notes

Ensure pasta shells are cooked al dente for best texture. Use fresh ingredients for deeper flavor.

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