Amazing Festive Christmas Stuffed Pasta

Christmas has always been a time for traditions, and for me, many of my fondest memories revolve around food. I remember being a little girl, sneaking into the kitchen to steal a taste of my grandmother’s famous lasagna. The warmth of the oven, the savory aroma, and the love that went into each layer made it feel like the most magical dish in the world. This year, I want to help you create new, delicious memories with this Festive Christmas Stuffed Pasta recipe! Ready in under an hour, it’s the perfect way to bring a touch of homemade magic to your holiday table, even with a busy family.

Table of contents

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Festive Christmas Stuffed Pasta

This Festive Christmas Stuffed Pasta is more than just a meal, it’s an experience. As a busy mom, I know how important it is to have recipes that are quick, easy, and impressive. That’s why you’ll love this recipe:

• Festive Flavors: The combination of mushrooms, thyme, spinach, and a creamy cheese sauce creates a warm, comforting flavor profile perfect for the holiday season.
• Quick to Prepare: This recipe can be on the table in under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings.
• Impressive Presentation: Jumbo pasta shells stuffed with a vibrant filling and smothered in a rich sauce make for a stunning dish that’s sure to wow your guests.
• Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love the cheesy, comforting flavors of this stuffed pasta.

Key Ingredients for Festive Christmas Stuffed Pasta

Here’s what you’ll need to create this holiday masterpiece. Each ingredient plays a special role in bringing those festive flavors to life:

• 3 cups sliced mushrooms, cremini or shiitake: These add an earthy, savory depth to the filling.
• 2 tbsp butter: For sautéing the mushrooms and creating a rich base for the sauce.
• 2 tsp dried thyme: This herb brings a warm, aromatic note that complements the mushrooms perfectly.
• Kosher salt to taste: To enhance all the flavors.
• Black pepper to taste: A touch of spice for balance.
• 20 oz frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry: Provides a healthy dose of greens and a vibrant color to the filling.
• 2 cups whole milk ricotta: This creamy cheese adds richness and texture to the filling.
• 2 cups shredded provolone or mozzarella: Melts beautifully and adds a delightful cheesy flavor.
• 6 tbsp butter: To create a smooth and luscious cheese sauce.
• 1/4 cup all purpose flour: Used to make a roux, which thickens the cheese sauce.
• 2 cups milk: Adds creaminess to the sauce.
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth: Infuses the sauce with flavor.
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped: For a touch of aromatic warmth.
• 2 tsp dried basil: Adds a sweet, herbaceous note to the sauce.
• 2 tsp dried oregano: Complements the basil with its slightly peppery flavor.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan: Adds a salty, umami richness to the sauce.
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella: Melts beautifully into the sauce, creating a cheesy, gooey texture.
• 1 tbsp lemon juice: Brightens the sauce and balances the richness of the cheese.
• 1 lb jumbo pasta shells: These large shells are perfect for stuffing and create a visually appealing dish.
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella for topping: For that final layer of cheesy goodness.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan for topping: Adds a salty, nutty finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Festive Christmas Stuffed Pasta

Alright, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious, festive dish on the table in no time. I’ll be right here with you, every step of the way.

1. Heat butter in a skillet over medium high heat. Add mushrooms and cook 8 to 10 minutes until browned. Stir in thyme, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
2. Mix thawed spinach, ricotta, and shredded provolone in a bowl. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
3. Melt butter in a saucepan. Whisk in flour to form a light roux. Slowly add milk and broth while whisking. Add garlic, basil, and oregano. Simmer 10 to 15 minutes until thick. Stir in Parmesan, mozzarella, and lemon juice. Remove from heat.
4. Cook jumbo pasta shells in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cool water.
5. Preheat oven to 375F. Spread a thin layer of cheese sauce into a baking dish. Stuff each shell with the spinach mixture and mushroom mixture. Arrange in the dish, top with remaining sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Cover with foil and bake 35 to 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10 more minutes.

Why This Recipe Works

Ever wonder why certain steps are essential in a recipe? Let me break it down for you. Squeezing the spinach dry is crucial because it prevents the filling from becoming watery and ensures the flavors are concentrated. A watery filling can make the whole dish soggy, and nobody wants that.

Using a roux (butter and flour) to create the cheese sauce is also key, because it acts as a thickening agent. This ensures the sauce is creamy and coats the pasta beautifully. Without the roux, the sauce would be thin and runny. These little details make all the difference in achieving a restaurant-quality dish, right in your own kitchen!

Festive Filling Variations for Your Stuffed Pasta

Want to mix things up? Here are some festive filling variations to try:

Filling	Ingredients	Notes/Tips
Butternut Squash and Sage	Roasted butternut squash, sage, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs	Roast the butternut squash until tender and mash it before mixing with the other ingredients. A touch of nutmeg can enhance the flavor.
Cranberry and Goat Cheese	Dried cranberries, goat cheese, walnuts, fresh thyme	Crumble the goat cheese well and chop the walnuts finely. The tartness of the cranberries pairs beautifully with the creamy goat cheese.
Sausage and Apple	Italian sausage, diced apple, breadcrumbs, fennel seeds	Brown the sausage and sauté the apple until softened. Fennel seeds add a warm, anise-like flavor that complements the sausage and apple.

Tips for Making Ahead and Freezing Festive Christmas Stuffed Pasta

One of the best things about this dish is that it can be made ahead of time. To make it ahead, assemble the stuffed pasta as instructed, but don’t bake it. Instead, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap, add the final layer of cheese and Parmesan, and bake as directed.

For freezing, allow the assembled, unbaked pasta to cool completely. Then, wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. To bake, thaw the pasta in the refrigerator overnight. Remove the wrapping, add the final layer of cheese and Parmesan, and bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Festive Christmas Stuffed Pasta

We all make mistakes, especially when trying a new recipe. Here are a few common pitfalls to watch out for, along with my tips for avoiding them:

• Pasta shells tearing during stuffing: To prevent this, make sure the pasta is cooked al dente, not overcooked. Overcooked pasta is more likely to tear. Handle the shells gently when stuffing.
• Cheese sauce being too thick/thin: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk or broth until you reach the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken.
• Pasta sticking to the baking dish: To prevent sticking, spread a thin layer of cheese sauce on the bottom of the baking dish before adding the stuffed shells.

Festive Presentation Ideas for Your Christmas Stuffed Pasta

Presentation is key, especially during the holidays. Here are a few ideas to make your stuffed pasta even more festive:

• Arrange the pasta shells in a circular pattern in the baking dish to resemble a wreath.
• Use a festive serving dish, such as a red or green ceramic baking dish.
• Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary for a pop of color.
• Sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese on top to resemble snow.

Wine Pairing Suggestions for Christmas Stuffed Pasta

The right wine can elevate your meal to the next level. Here are a few suggestions for pairing with your stuffed pasta:

• For the classic spinach and ricotta filling, a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc is a great choice.
• If you’re using a sausage and apple filling, a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or Beaujolais will complement the flavors nicely.
• For a butternut squash and sage filling, a dry Rosé or an oaked Chardonnay can be a delightful pairing.

Ingredient Sourcing: Choosing the Best Ingredients

Using high-quality ingredients can make a world of difference in the final result. For ricotta cheese, I recommend Polly-O. It has a creamy, rich flavor and a smooth texture that’s perfect for stuffing pasta. For tomato sauce, I always reach for Rao’s Homemade. It’s made with simple, high-quality ingredients and has a delicious, authentic flavor. These are the brands that I trust to deliver consistent, delicious results every time.

Nutritional Information for Festive Christmas Stuffed Pasta

Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving:

• Calories: 450
• Fat: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Protein: 20g

Please note that these values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients you use. For a broader understanding of the health benefits of pasta in a balanced diet, and to learn more about pasta’s nutritional profile as a source of energy and protein, you might find external resources helpful.

How to Store Leftover Christmas Stuffed Pasta

Got leftovers? Lucky you! To store leftover stuffed pasta, allow it to cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350F until heated through, or microwave individual portions until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

I hope this Festive Christmas Stuffed Pasta recipe brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine. There’s something truly special about sharing a homemade meal with loved ones, especially during the holidays. So, gather your family, put on some festive music, and get ready to create some delicious memories!

I’d love to hear what you think of this recipe. Did you try it? What variations did you make? Leave a comment below, ask a question, or share your photos. Happy cooking!