Description
Christmas Stuffed Pasta Shells with Spinach & Ricotta is a festive delight that brings warmth and joy to your holiday gatherings. These large pasta shells are generously filled with a creamy mixture of ricotta cheese and fresh spinach, all topped with savory marinara sauce and baked to perfection. This dish not only captivates the eyes but also delivers a burst of flavor that will have your family and friends asking for seconds. Perfect for cozy dinners or vibrant holiday celebrations, these stuffed shells are sure to become a cherished tradition.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 large pasta shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano and basil)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Boil water and cook pasta shells until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, add minced garlic for one minute, then stir in spinach until wilted (about two minutes).
- In a bowl, mix sautéed spinach with ricotta, half the Parmesan, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Stuff each shell with the filling and arrange them upright in the baking dish.
- Pour marinara sauce over the shells, sprinkle with remaining Parmesan, cover with foil, and bake for 25 minutes until bubbly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed shell
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 30mg