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Festive Christmas Stuffed Pasta

Festive Christmas Stuffed Pasta

Experience the delight of Festive Christmas Stuffed Pasta, a creamy and flavorful holiday dish.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: DINNER PLATES
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 pieces jumbo pasta shells
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
For the Filling
  • 10 ounces fresh spinach or frozen
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce and Topping
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup additional mozzarella for topping
  • ¼ cup parmesan for sprinkling
  • chopped fresh parsley optional

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • baking dish
  • spoon or piping bag

Method
 

How to Make Festive Christmas Stuffed Pasta
  1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook them until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and spread them on a baking sheet to cool, preventing them from sticking together.
  2. Sauté the Spinach: In a skillet over medium heat, pour in the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Toss in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat, chop roughly, and set aside to cool.
  3. Mix the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, chopped spinach, mozzarella, parmesan, egg, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is fully incorporated and the mixture is creamy.
  4. Fill the Shells: Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each pasta shell with the ricotta-spinach mixture. In a baking dish, spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom, then nestle the filled shells in a single layer.
  5. Sauce It Up: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells until they are covered. Sprinkle extra mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top.
  6. Bake the Dish: Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  7. Rest and Serve: Let the pasta sit for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional cheese before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 550mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 450IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Serve with a side salad for a complete holiday meal.

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