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Easy special occasion Stuffed Shells Recipe

Easy Christmas Stuffed Shells Recipe

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Delight in the festive flavors of the Easy special occasion Stuffed Shells Recipe, a comforting dish perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners. This simple yet satisfying meal features jumbo pasta shells filled with creamy ricotta and fresh spinach, all nestled in a rich marinara sauce. With minimal prep time and ingredients, this recipe is accessible for cooks of any skill level. Not only does it make an impressive centerpiece on your holiday table, but it also offers versatility—serve it as a main dish or as part of a larger spread. Make ahead to save time on busy holiday nights, and enjoy the smiles from both kids and adults alike as they dig into this delicious comfort food.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 18 to 20 jumbo pasta shells
  • 5 ounces fresh spinach
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated pecorino cheese
  • 2 garlic cloves (grated)
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • Extra-virgin olive oil (for drizzling)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 3/4 teaspoon sea salt (plus extra for pasta water)
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook pasta shells in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and rinse.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, pecorino cheese, garlic, spinach, oregano, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, sea salt, and black pepper.
  4. Fill each shell with the ricotta mixture and arrange in a baking dish with marinara sauce at the bottom.
  5. Top with remaining marinara sauce, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with pecorino cheese.
  6. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes; uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly.

Nutrition

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