What are stuffed shells?

Stuffed shells are large pasta shells filled with cheese, vegetables, or meat, baked in sauce until soft and creamy.

What are some good fillings for stuffed shells?

You can use ricotta and spinach, or try mushrooms, sausage, or butternut squash for a cozy twist.

Are stuffed shells Italian or Italian American?

They’re Italian American, inspired by classic Italian stuffed pasta dishes like cannelloni and manicotti.

What is stuffed shells called in Italy?

In Italy, similar dishes are called “conchiglioni ripieni,” which means “stuffed conch-shaped pasta.”

Stuffed Shells Recipe | Amazing Christmas Pasta Dinner

Name: Stuffed Shells Recipe for Christmas Dinner
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Italian American
Ingredients: 18 to 20 jumbo pasta shells; Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling; 5 ounces fresh spinach; 2 cups ricotta cheese (16 ounces); 1/4 cup grated pecorino cheese, plus more for garnish; 2 garlic cloves, grated; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 3/4 teaspoon sea salt, plus more for pasta water; Freshly ground black pepper; 2 cups marinara sauce, plus extra for serving; Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Description

Creamy ricotta and spinach stuffed into jumbo shells, baked in marinara until bubbling, cheesy, and cozy. Make ahead friendly and perfect for Christmas dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

18 to 20 jumbo pasta shells

Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling

5 ounces fresh spinach

2 cups ricotta cheese (16 ounces)

1/4 cup grated pecorino cheese, plus more for garnish

2 garlic cloves, grated

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon lemon zest

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

3/4 teaspoon sea salt, plus more for pasta water

Freshly ground black pepper

2 cups marinara sauce, plus extra for serving

Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Steam spinach until wilted, then drain, squeeze out moisture, and chop.

2. Boil pasta shells in salted water until just al dente, about 10 minutes, then drain and drizzle with olive oil.

3. Mix spinach with ricotta, pecorino, garlic, oregano, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a bowl.

4. Spread marinara sauce in a 9×13-inch baking dish.

5. Stuff each shell with the filling and arrange in the dish.

6. Cover with foil and bake at 425°F for 20 minutes.

7. Serve with more marinara, pecorino, and fresh parsley.

Notes

Rao’s marinara sauce is recommended.

To freeze, assemble shells in the baking dish, cover with foil, and freeze. Thaw in the fridge for about 10 hours before baking. Let sit at room temperature while the oven preheats. Bake covered for 30 minutes or until fully warmed.

Can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 4 hours before baking.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Christmas Dinner Recipes
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4 to 5 shells