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Best Christmas Stuffed Shells – Cheesy, Cozy & Holiday-Worthy

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Jumbo pasta shells filled with creamy ricotta, spinach, and herbs — baked in marinara and topped with melty cheese. A festive, make-ahead holiday dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 20 jumbo pasta shells, cooked al dente

  • 15 oz ricotta cheese

  • 1½ cups shredded mozzarella, divided

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan, divided

  • 1 egg

  • 1½ cups chopped spinach

  • 12 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 3 cups marinara sauce

  • Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook shells in salted water until al dente. Drain and cool.

  2. Mix ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, ¼ cup Parmesan, spinach, egg, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper.

  3. Spread 1½ cups marinara in a 9×13-inch baking dish.

  4. Fill shells with ricotta mixture and arrange in the dish.

  5. Top with remaining sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan.

  6. Cover and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake 10–15 minutes more.

  7. Let rest 5–10 minutes. Garnish with basil and serve.

Notes

  • Make ahead or freeze before baking.

  • Add ground meat for a heartier version.

  • Garnish with pesto drizzle for holiday flair.