Description
Festive Christmas stuffed pasta brings holiday cheer with rich, creamy filling nestled in delicate pasta pockets. Elegant Italian-inspired comfort wraps you in warm seasonal flavors perfect for celebratory gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheeses:
- 2 cups (300 grams / 10.5 ounces) ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups (150 grams / 5.3 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (50 grams / 1.8 ounces) grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta and Vegetables:
- 12 large pasta shells (such as jumbo shells or cannelloni)
- 1/2 cup (50 grams / 1.8 ounces) cooked spinach, drained and chopped
Seasonings and Binding Ingredients:
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce Ingredients:
- 2 cups (475 milliliters / 16 fluid ounces) marinara sauce or tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh basil leaves
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the culinary canvas by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly coating a 9×13-inch baking vessel with olive oil or non-stick spray.
- Transform pasta shells into tender vessels by immersing them in boiling water until they reach al dente perfection. Gently drain and allow to cool momentarily.
- Craft a luxurious filling by whisking ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan together with thoroughly drained spinach, creating a harmonious blend enhanced by a whisked egg, delicate nutmeg, and seasoning.
- Meticulously fill each pasta shell with the creamy mixture, arranging them artfully in the prepared baking dish like edible ornaments.
- Elevate the flavor profile by simmering marinara sauce with aromatic basil, oregano, and optional red pepper flakes in a saucepan, allowing the herbs to infuse their essence into the liquid.
- Drape the baking dish with aluminum foil, then nestle it in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, allowing the ingredients to meld and warm thoroughly.
- Unveil the dish, removing the foil for a final 5-minute bake to achieve a golden, slightly crisp surface.
- Present the festive creation adorned with fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan, ready to delight eager diners with its vibrant, comforting essence.
Notes
- Customize the cheese blend by mixing in soft goat cheese or using a dairy-free alternative like cashew ricotta for lactose-intolerant guests.
- Enhance nutritional value by adding cooked ground turkey or crumbled plant-based protein to the cheese filling for extra substance.
- Prep shells ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, which helps develop deeper flavor profiles and saves cooking time on busy days.
- Create a gluten-free version by substituting pasta shells with zucchini boats or using gluten-free pasta shells to accommodate different dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg