Looking for a show-stopping dish to serve at your holiday dinner? This Festive Christmas Stuffed Pasta is the perfect choice! With colorful pasta shells stuffed with a delicious blend of cheese, spinach, and seasonings, it’s not only festive but also incredibly flavorful. Topped with a rich tomato sauce and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan, this dish will be a hit with everyone around the table. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or enjoying a cozy family meal, this stuffed pasta will add a touch of Christmas cheer to your celebration.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This stuffed pasta is a beautiful and festive way to bring flavor to your holiday dinner. The bright green spinach filling makes it perfect for the season, and the savory tomato sauce ties it all together. It’s easy to prepare, but the presentation will impress your guests, making it feel like a special occasion dish. Plus, it’s hearty and comforting, a great option for a holiday meal!
Ingredients
Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need for this festive dish:
- Jumbo pasta shells for stuffing
- Spinach for a pop of color and flavor
- Ricotta cheese for creaminess
- Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses for that gooey, melty finish
The full list of ingredients and measurements is below in the recipe card!
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large baking dish.
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, spinach (fresh or frozen, thawed and drained), mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Stir until the mixture is well combined.
- Stuff each pasta shell with the cheese and spinach mixture and place them in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour your favorite tomato sauce (store-bought or homemade) over the stuffed pasta, covering it completely.
- Sprinkle the top with a little more mozzarella and Parmesan for a cheesy crust.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for an extra festive touch. Serve warm and enjoy!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Be sure to cook the pasta shells al dente, as they will soften further when baking in the sauce.
- If you’re using frozen spinach, be sure to squeeze out all the excess water before mixing it into the filling.
- For a richer sauce, add a bit of cream to your tomato sauce or use a white sauce instead.
- If you like a little spice, add red pepper flakes to the cheese filling or tomato sauce for a kick.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- You can swap out the spinach for other greens like kale or chard.
- If you’re not a fan of ricotta, try using mascarpone or cottage cheese for the filling.
- Add ground turkey or sausage to the filling for extra protein and flavor.
- For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free ricotta and mozzarella cheeses, and top with a non-dairy Parmesan.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve this stuffed pasta with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a well-rounded meal. It pairs wonderfully with a glass of red wine, like Chianti or Merlot, or a festive sparkling cider for non-alcoholic guests. If you’re looking for more holiday flair, serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a creamy mashed potato.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any leftover stuffed pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes until hot. For longer storage, freeze the assembled, unbaked stuffed pasta for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding extra time to the cooking process.
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the stuffed pasta the day before, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s chilled.
2. Can I use a different type of pasta?
While jumbo shells work best for stuffing, you can use other large pasta shapes like cannelloni or manicotti. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
3. Can I use homemade tomato sauce?
Absolutely! A homemade marinara or even a creamy white sauce would complement the stuffed pasta beautifully.
4. Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is already vegetarian, but you can add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted red peppers for extra flavor and texture.
Conclusion
Festive Christmas Stuffed Pasta is a delicious and visually stunning dish that will make your holiday dinner table sparkle. With its creamy spinach filling, cheesy topping, and hearty tomato sauce, it’s a comforting meal that’s perfect for celebrating with loved ones. This dish will not only fill your stomach but also your heart with holiday warmth. Try it this season, and it might just become a new Christmas tradition!
Print
Festive Christmas Stuffed Pasta
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Holiday
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian, Christmas
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Festive Christmas Stuffed Pasta is a perfect holiday dish that features vibrant green spinach pasta stuffed with a savory cheese mixture. Topped with a rich tomato sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan, it’s the ideal dish for your Christmas table or a festive family meal.
Ingredients
For the Stuffed Pasta:
- 12 large pasta shells (such as jumbo shells or cannelloni)
- 2 cups (300g) ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups (150g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup (50g) cooked spinach, drained and chopped
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups (475ml) marinara sauce or tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
For Topping (optional):
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil or cooking spray. - Prepare the Pasta Shells:
Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly. - Make the Cheese Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, cooked spinach, egg, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined. - Stuff the Pasta Shells:
Carefully stuff each cooked pasta shell with the cheese mixture. Place the stuffed shells in the prepared baking dish. - Make the Sauce:
In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the marinara sauce, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 5-7 minutes, then pour the sauce over the stuffed pasta shells. - Bake the Pasta:
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pasta is heated through and the sauce is bubbling. - Serve:
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to slightly crisp the top. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For a creamier sauce, you can mix in a little heavy cream or half-and-half into the marinara sauce.
- You can make this dish ahead of time by assembling the pasta and sauce, then covering and refrigerating it for up to 1 day before baking.
- You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 40mg