There’s something magical about Christmas dinners that feel warm and personal, and for us, these Christmas Stuffed Shells are part of that story. One year, I was running behind with the holiday menu and decided to toss together what I had: jumbo shells, some ricotta, leftover marinara, and a handful of fresh herbs. What I didn’t expect? My husband, who usually saves his big compliments for roasts, took one bite and said, “Can we make this a tradition?”

That’s when I knew this wasn’t just a backup dinner. These baked pasta shells became our surprise Christmas hit; festive, comforting, and hearty enough to steal the show from the ham.

And now, they’re yours too.

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Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Shells Recipe

These cheesy pasta shells are a true comfort food moment that balances richness and brightness beautifully. They’re festive without being fussy; which means you can enjoy more family time and less kitchen stress. The creamy ricotta filling, a touch of garlic, and a hearty marinara sauce baked under a layer of gooey mozzarella? It’s irresistible.

Even better: You can make it ahead and simply bake it when guests arrive. And if you’re hosting a buffet-style Christmas like we sometimes do, this dish fits perfectly right alongside a Christmas Prime Rib for a crowd-pleasing presentation.

Bonus: It’s vegetarian-friendly and customizable; more on that below.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this holiday pasta to life:

20 jumbo pasta shells
2 cups ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus more for topping)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Optional: spinach, ground sausage, or red pepper flakes

We often pair this with Garlic Butter Bread Rolls for that perfect holiday side.

How to Make the Perfect Christmas Stuffed Shells

These festive stuffed shells come together easily and are surprisingly forgiving. Here’s a step-by-step you can follow, even on a busy holiday afternoon.

Boil the Pasta: Cook the jumbo shells according to package instructions, then rinse with cold water and set aside.
Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Stuff the Shells: Using a spoon, fill each shell with the cheese mixture.
Layer & Bake: In a baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce. Arrange the stuffed shells over the sauce, then top with the remaining sauce and extra mozzarella cheese.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes or until bubbling and golden on top.

Serve warm, ideally with a side like Rosemary-Infused Roast Potatoes for that Christmas magic on a plate.

Tips and Variations

Make it Meaty: Add browned Italian sausage or ground beef to the marinara for a heartier version. Just layer it in with the sauce.
Go Green: Sneak in some sautéed spinach or chopped kale into the ricotta mixture for extra nutrition.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble the dish the night before, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate. Pop it in the oven when you’re ready.
Use What You Have: No ricotta? Try cottage cheese blended smooth. No jumbo shells? Layer the cheese mix in lasagna sheets for a deconstructed twist.

This recipe pairs perfectly with cozy dishes like our Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs when you’re feeding a big crowd.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I freeze Christmas Stuffed Shells?
Yes! Assemble the dish, cover with foil, and freeze before baking. It keeps well for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for about 45–50 minutes.

2. What kind of cheese works best in the filling?
Ricotta is traditional, but you can also blend in cottage cheese or mascarpone for a silkier texture.

3. How do I reheat leftovers?
Place leftovers in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat at 350°F for 15–20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions.

4. Is this dish vegetarian?
Yes, the basic version is completely vegetarian. Just double-check your marinara brand or make a homemade one.

And if you’re craving more crowd-friendly holiday ideas, don’t miss our Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies for dessert.

Conclusion

This Christmas Stuffed Shells recipe is more than just a pasta; it’s a heartwarming meal with a festive twist. Whether it’s the creamy filling, the melty cheese on top, or the rich tomato sauce that wins your heart, one thing’s for sure: it’ll have a place on your holiday table year after year. So go ahead, prep it in advance, pop it in the oven, and enjoy the compliments rolling in.

For more easy and satisfying recipes, don’t hesitate to join me on Pinterest – where good food meets great company!

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Christmas Stuffed Shells

Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Shells Recipe