Christmas Stuffed Pasta is the ultimate holiday comfort dish, packed with gooey cheese, savory mushrooms, and tender pasta shells. It’s creamy, hearty, and perfect for feeding a hungry Christmas crowd.
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Why This Christmas Stuffed Pasta is Perfect for the Holidays
Festive and comforting flavors everyone loves
This Christmas Stuffed Pasta blends the richness of three cheeses with earthy mushrooms and a silky cream sauce. The flavors are warm, inviting, and just what you want on a chilly December night. Each bite feels like comfort on a plate, which makes it a holiday favorite for both kids and adults.
Make-ahead and freezer-friendly for stress-free hosting
The best part is how forgiving this recipe is. You can stuff the shells the day before, refrigerate them overnight, or even freeze the whole dish weeks in advance. That means when guests arrive, you only need to bake and serve. It’s one of those rare Christmas dinner recipes that lets you relax while still delivering big flavor.
A hearty, cheesy dish that feeds a crowd
Between the creamy ricotta filling, stretchy provolone, and bubbling mozzarella topping, this dish is made to satisfy. Since the pasta shells hold plenty of filling, it’s filling enough for a main course. Pair it with a simple salad or a side of garlic bread, and you’ll have a Christmas dinner spread that’s both generous and memorable.
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
Pasta shells and possible alternatives
Large pasta shells are perfect for holding the cheese and spinach mixture. If shells aren’t available, you can swap them with manicotti, cannelloni, or even rolled lasagna sheets. Just be sure to slightly undercook them, so they don’t tear when filled.
The three-cheese blend for creamy filling
Ricotta keeps the filling creamy, provolone adds melty stretch, and mozzarella gives a golden bubbly topping. Parmesan ties it together with a salty, nutty finish. If you use freshly grated cheese, the result will be smoother and more flavorful.
Spinach for balance and color
Spinach cuts through the richness, adding freshness and color to every bite. Frozen spinach works well here, but it’s important to drain it thoroughly. You can also use fresh spinach, kale, or Swiss chard if you prefer.
Mushrooms for savory depth
Shiitake or cremini mushrooms bring a rich, earthy depth that balances the creamy cheese sauce. They also add a meaty texture, which makes the dish satisfying even for guests skipping meat.
Herbs, wine, and sauce essentials
Garlic, thyme, basil, and oregano bring out classic Italian flavors. White wine adds brightness, though you can swap with chicken broth for a lighter note. Combined with milk, flour, and butter, you’ll create a silky base that turns into a luscious cheese sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Christmas Stuffed Pasta
Step 1: Prepare the oven and cook the mushrooms
Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a skillet, melt two tablespoons of butter and sauté sliced mushrooms with thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook until golden brown and fragrant, then set aside.
Step 2: Make the creamy cheese sauce
In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and sauté garlic with basil and oregano. Sprinkle flour and whisk for one minute to remove the raw taste. Gradually whisk in wine and milk, simmering until slightly thickened. Stir in some mozzarella and parmesan until smooth.
Step 3: Cook pasta shells until just al dente
Boil pasta shells in salted water, but stop two minutes before the package directions. Drain and let cool. This step prevents shells from tearing when filled later.
Step 4: Mix the cheese and spinach filling
In a bowl, combine ricotta, provolone, and well-drained spinach. Season lightly with salt and pepper. This creamy, colorful mixture will become the heart of each stuffed shell.
Step 5: Assemble the stuffed pasta shells
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread a layer of the cheese sauce on the bottom. Fill each cooled shell with 1.5–2 tablespoons of filling and arrange them snugly in the dish.
Step 6: Add sauce, cheese, and mushrooms on top
Pour the remaining cheese sauce over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle with mozzarella, parmesan, and the sautéed mushrooms. This layering ensures a gooey top with a little golden crisp.
Step 7: Bake until golden and bubbling
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15–20 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbling. Serve warm with garlic bread or roasted vegetables.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
Avoiding broken pasta shells
Undercook the shells slightly and let them cool before stuffing. This way, they won’t split or crumble in your hands.
How to properly drain spinach
If using frozen spinach, squeeze out as much water as possible using a clean towel. This prevents a watery filling that could ruin the creamy texture.
Making a smooth, lump-free sauce
Whisk constantly when adding milk and wine to flour and butter. Add liquids gradually and keep stirring until the sauce thickens evenly.
Best cheese-melting tricks
Use room-temperature cheese and grate it fresh if possible. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain starch, which can stop them from melting smoothly.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
Pasta shape swaps
If shells aren’t handy, manicotti or cannelloni work just as well. Rolled lasagna sheets can also be filled and baked in layers.
Cheese alternatives
Swap ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter filling. Provolone can be replaced with fontina or gouda for a nuttier flavor.
Spinach and green substitutions
Kale, Swiss chard, or fresh spinach make great substitutes. Just cook and drain them well before mixing.
Wine and broth swaps
White wine adds tang, but chicken or vegetable broth can replace it. Even water with a splash of lemon juice works in a pinch.
Fresh vs dried herbs
Use fresh herbs if you can. Just triple the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
Serving Suggestions
Side dishes to pair with stuffed pasta
This pasta pairs beautifully with an arugula salad, roasted vegetables, or a warm side of Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Christmas dish. Garlic bread is always a winner too.
Wine pairings and holiday beverage ideas
If you used white wine in the sauce, serve the same bottle at the table. A crisp Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio works well. For a festive touch, sparkling cider or a glass of mulled wine adds holiday cheer.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating
How to refrigerate leftovers
Cover leftovers tightly and refrigerate for up to four days. Reheat in the oven or microwave as needed.
Freezer storage tips
You can freeze the dish assembled but unbaked for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Reheating for best flavor and texture
Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 20–25 minutes. For individual portions, microwave until warm, but the oven keeps the texture better.
Make-ahead preparation for parties
Assemble the stuffed shells up to 24 hours before baking. Keep them covered in the fridge, then bring to room temperature before cooking.
Recipe Notes and Timing
Prep time, cook time, and total time
Prep takes about 30–45 minutes, cooking about 40–50 minutes. Overall, expect 70–95 minutes from start to finish.
Difficulty level
This recipe is medium difficulty. It’s not overly tricky, but it does require some multitasking.
Portion and filling guidance
Use about 1.5–2 tablespoons of filling per shell. This ensures the shells stay neat without spilling over.
Frequently Asked Questions for the Christmas Stuffed Pasta
What is traditional pasta for Christmas?
In Italy, stuffed pastas like tortellini or cannelloni are common at Christmas tables.
What are those stuffed pastas called?
They are often called ravioli, manicotti, cannelloni, or stuffed shells, depending on shape.
What to put on stuffed pasta?
Cheese sauces, tomato sauces, or creamy béchamel are all popular choices.
What is the easiest filled pasta to make?
Large pasta shells are easiest since they’re simple to fill and hold plenty of stuffing.
Related Recipes to Try
- Yule Log Cake classic Christmas dessert
- Classic Christmas Prime Rib holiday recipe
- Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Christmas dish
- Christmas Salmon with pomegranate orange glaze
- Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake recipe
- Bacon Brussels Sprouts Christmas side dish
Conclusion
Final thoughts on serving this dish for Christmas dinner
Christmas Stuffed Pasta is more than just a main course. It’s a festive centerpiece, brimming with cheesy comfort, hearty spinach, and earthy mushrooms. It looks impressive, yet it’s manageable even for busy holiday cooks.
Encouragement to try, customize, and enjoy with loved ones
Make it ahead, play with variations, and serve it alongside family favorites. Whether it’s your first time making stuffed shells or your holiday tradition, this recipe guarantees happy faces at the table. And if you love cozy food ideas, you’ll find more inspiration on Pinterest.
Print
Christmas Stuffed Pasta Recipe with Mushrooms, Spinach, and Three Cheeses
- Total Time: 70 to 95 minutes
Description
Creamy Christmas Stuffed Pasta with mushrooms, spinach, and three cheeses. Cozy, crowd pleasing, and perfect for make ahead holiday dinners.
Ingredients
1 stick (8 tablespoons) salted butter
3 cups sliced shiitake or cremini mushrooms
2 teaspoons dried thyme
2 chopped garlic cloves
2 teaspoons dried basil
2 teaspoons dried oregano
Kosher salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup plain flour
2 cups milk
2 cups white wine or chicken broth
1 cup shredded mozzarella
3/4 cup grated parmesan
1 pound large pasta shells
2 cups ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded provolone cheese
20 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and drained
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch pan. Cook mushrooms in 2 tablespoons butter until golden, then add thyme, salt, and pepper; cook until fragrant and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, melt remaining butter, sauté garlic, basil, and oregano briefly, whisk in flour, and cook 1 minute.
3. Slowly whisk in wine and milk, simmer until slightly thickened, then stir in part of the mozzarella and parmesan to make a smooth sauce.
4. Cook pasta shells in salted water until just al dente, then drain and let cool.
5. Mix ricotta, provolone, and spinach for filling.
6. Spread a layer of sauce in the baking dish, stuff shells with filling, and arrange in the pan.
7. Top with mozzarella, remaining sauce, parmesan, and mushrooms.
8. Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes, then uncover and bake 15–20 minutes more until golden and bubbling.
9. Serve warm.
Notes
Do not overcook pasta shells; stop boiling 2 minutes before package instructions.
Drain spinach thoroughly to avoid watery filling.
Cook flour and butter long enough to remove raw taste and whisk liquid in gradually to prevent lumps.
Use room temperature cheeses and freshly grated cheese for best melting.
Fill each shell with about 1.5–2 tablespoons of filling to avoid overflow.
Cool shells before stuffing to prevent breaking.
- Prep Time: 30 to 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 to 50 minutes
- Category: Christmas Dinner Recipes
- Method: Baked
