Easy Christmas Stuffed Pasta

Introduction

Easy Christmas Stuffed Pasta is the perfect festive dish to serve during the holiday season. This hearty and delicious pasta is filled with a savory blend of ricotta cheese, spinach, and a hint of nutmeg, all wrapped in delicate pasta shells. Topped with a rich marinara sauce and melted cheese, this dish is a warm, comforting meal that will make your Christmas dinner special.

I first made this dish for a family Christmas Eve dinner, and it quickly became a tradition. The combination of creamy ricotta and spinach with the tangy marinara sauce had everyone going back for seconds. What’s even better is how customizable it is—you can add cooked sausage or mushrooms to the filling for extra flavor or swap marinara for a creamy Alfredo sauce for a different twist.

Not only is it simple to prepare, but it also adds a touch of elegance to your holiday spread. With its festive presentation and delicious flavors, this dish is perfect for family gatherings and holiday celebrations. It’s an easy yet impressive way to bring everyone together at the table.

Perfect for:

• Christmas dinner
• Holiday family gatherings
• Cozy winter meals
• Pasta lovers
• Meatless meals

Why You’ll Love This Easy Christmas Stuffed Pasta

Here’s why Easy Christmas Stuffed Pasta will become your holiday go-to:

• Festive and Flavorful: The combination of ricotta, spinach, and a pinch of nutmeg creates a perfect seasonal flavor that’s both savory and comforting.
• Simple to Make: With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish is a breeze to prepare, even for novice cooks.
• Perfect for Large Groups: This recipe can easily be scaled up, making it ideal for holiday dinners with family or friends.
• Hearty and Satisfying: Stuffed pasta shells make for a filling meal that pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a side salad.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare this dish in advance and bake it just before serving, which is great for holiday meal planning.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
• Servings: 6-8
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 15g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make Easy Christmas Stuffed Pasta:

• 1 box jumbo pasta shells (about 20-24 shells)
• 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup cooked spinach (fresh or frozen, well-drained)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing)

Ingredient Highlights

• Ricotta Cheese: Ricotta adds a creamy, mild flavor to the stuffing, providing a smooth contrast to the savory spinach and the tangy marinara sauce.
• Spinach: Spinach is the perfect green to add to the stuffing, bringing both nutrition and flavor to the dish.
• Mozzarella and Parmesan: These cheeses melt beautifully, creating a delicious cheesy layer on top of the stuffed pasta.
• Nutmeg: The nutmeg adds a subtle warmth and festive flavor to the ricotta-spinach filling, perfect for the holiday season.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to make Easy Christmas Stuffed Pasta:

Prepare the Pasta:

1. Cook the Pasta Shells: Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the shells and set them aside on a plate, ensuring they don’t stick together. You can lightly drizzle olive oil on them to keep them separated.

Make the Stuffing:

2. Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, cooked spinach, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, oregano, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well-combined, creating a thick, creamy filling.

Stuff the Pasta Shells:

3. Stuff the Shells: Use a spoon or piping bag to fill each cooked pasta shell with the ricotta-spinach mixture. Be generous with the stuffing, but don’t overfill.

Assemble and Bake:

4. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
5. Layer the Dish: Pour 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange the stuffed pasta shells in a single layer, gently pressing them into the sauce.
6. Top with Sauce and Cheese: Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring each shell is well-covered. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
7. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

How to Serve Easy Christmas Stuffed Pasta

Easy Christmas Stuffed Pasta can be served in various ways:

• As a Main Dish: This hearty pasta dish is perfect as the centerpiece of your Christmas dinner. Pair it with a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• For Holiday Gatherings: Make a large batch and serve it as a crowd-pleasing dish at holiday dinners or potlucks.
• As a Make-Ahead Meal: Prepare the stuffed pasta the day before, refrigerate it, and then bake it just before serving to save time during your holiday festivities.
• With Wine: Pair this dish with a light red wine, such as a Pinot Noir or Chianti, for an added touch of elegance to your meal.

Additional Tips for Easy Christmas Stuffed Pasta

Here are some tips to ensure your Easy Christmas Stuffed Pasta turns out perfectly:

• Cook the Spinach Well: Make sure the spinach is fully cooked and well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the stuffing.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the jumbo shells just until al dente, as they will continue to cook when baked in the oven.
• Stuffing Variations: Add some chopped cooked mushrooms, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or other herbs like basil for a unique twist on the filling.
• Use Fresh Spinach: If using fresh spinach, be sure to sauté it until wilted, then squeeze out any excess moisture.
• Freezer-Friendly: This dish can be made ahead and frozen before baking. Simply cover the assembled dish with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 15-20 minutes to the cooking time.

Recipe Variations for Easy Christmas Stuffed Pasta

Here are 10 variations you can try for Easy Christmas Stuffed Pasta:

• Meat Lover’s Stuffed Pasta: Add cooked sausage, ground beef, or turkey to the ricotta-spinach filling for a meatier version.
• Mushroom Spinach Stuffed Pasta: Add sautéed mushrooms to the spinach and ricotta filling for an earthy flavor.
• Pesto-Stuffed Pasta: Mix pesto into the ricotta filling for a herby, vibrant twist.
• Cheese Lovers Stuffed Pasta: Use a variety of cheeses, such as fontina, provolone, and Asiago, for a rich, melty filling.
• Creamy Alfredo Stuffed Pasta: Top the stuffed shells with a creamy Alfredo sauce instead of marinara for a rich and indulgent flavor.
• Vegan Stuffed Pasta: Substitute the ricotta with a vegan ricotta cheese and use egg replacer to create a dairy-free version.
• Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Pasta: Add chopped artichokes to the spinach and ricotta filling for a classic spin on stuffed pasta.
• Tomato Basil Stuffed Pasta: Mix chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil into the ricotta filling for a fresh, vibrant flavor.
• Zucchini and Ricotta Stuffed Pasta: Add cooked zucchini to the ricotta mixture for extra veggies in the stuffing.
• Sweet Potato Stuffed Pasta: Use mashed sweet potatoes in the ricotta filling for a sweeter, seasonal twist.

Freezing and Storage for Easy Christmas Stuffed Pasta

• Freezing: Prepare the stuffed pasta and bake it, then let it cool. Wrap the baked dish in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot and bubbly.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven until warmed through.

Special Equipment for Easy Christmas Stuffed Pasta

Here are some tools that will make preparing Easy Christmas Stuffed Pasta easier:

• Large Pot: A large pot is needed to cook the jumbo pasta shells.
• Mixing Bowls: Use mixing bowls to prepare the ricotta-spinach filling.
• Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch baking dish is ideal for assembling and baking the stuffed pasta shells.
• Spoon or Piping Bag: Use a spoon or piping bag to fill the pasta shells evenly with the ricotta filling.
• Aluminum Foil: Cover the baking dish with foil during the initial baking to prevent the cheese from browning too quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions for Easy Christmas Stuffed Pasta

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
   Yes, you can use other types of pasta like manicotti or cannelloni if you prefer, though the jumbo shells are easiest to stuff.
2. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
   Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta shells or another gluten-free pasta variety for a gluten-free version.
3. Can I use frozen spinach?
   Yes, frozen spinach works well for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to remove excess moisture.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the dish a day or two ahead of time, refrigerate it, and bake it just before serving.
5. Can I freeze the leftovers?
   Yes, you can freeze the leftovers. Just store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

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Conclusion

Easy Christmas Stuffed Pasta is a festive, flavorful, and simple dish that will elevate your holiday meal. The creamy ricotta and spinach filling, paired with marinara sauce and melted cheese, creates a rich and satisfying dish that’s perfect for celebrating the season. With its vibrant colors and comforting flavors, this pasta is a wonderful way to bring a touch of holiday cheer to your table.

This recipe is as easy to prepare as it is delicious, making it perfect for everything from cozy family dinners to festive holiday gatherings. Whether you’re serving it to loved ones or treating yourself, this stuffed pasta is sure to delight in every bite.

I’d love to see how your Easy Christmas Stuffed Pasta turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!