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–+ servings
Christmas Stuffed Shells

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Christmas Stuffed Shells to Love

These Christmas Stuffed Shells are a delightful vegetarian dish combining spinach and ricotta, perfect for holiday gatherings.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 shells
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Filling
  • 1 cup Spinach Can substitute with kale
  • 1 cup Ricotta Cheese Can substitute with cottage cheese
  • 1/2 cup Pecorino Cheese Parmesan can be used as a substitute
  • 2 cloves Garlic Fresh garlic preferred
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano Italian seasoning can serve as an alternative
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest Orange zest may also work
  • 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Adjust quantity to taste
For the Pasta and Sauce
  • 12 pieces Jumbo Pasta Shells
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust based on personal preference
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Adjust based on personal preference
  • 2 cups Marinara Sauce Homemade is best but jarred is convenient

Equipment

  • oven
  • Steamer Basket
  • Large pot
  • baking dish
  • Mixing bowl
  • Colander

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Steam spinach for 1 minute until wilted, then chop finely.
  3. Cook the pasta shells in salted boiling water for 10 minutes, then drain and toss with olive oil.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine spinach, ricotta, pecorino, garlic, oregano, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
  5. Spread marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Stuff each shell with filling and place in a single layer.
  6. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  7. Let cool for a few moments, then serve warm with extra marinara sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 1shellCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 10gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3.5gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

For best results, assemble the shells a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

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