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Easy Christmas Stuffed Pasta Recipe

This holiday pasta features large shells stuffed with three cheeses and spinach, layered with mushrooms and a rich wine-based cheese sauce.

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A woman in an apron is preparing a meal in a sunny kitchen filled with fresh vegetables and herbs.
Updated on Fri, 03 Jan 2025 01:27:10 GMT
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A baked dish of large pasta shells filled with cheese, mushrooms, and herbs in a creamy sauce. Save it
A baked dish of large pasta shells filled with cheese, mushrooms, and herbs in a creamy sauce. | myhomemaderecipe.com

In my kitchen these Easy Christmas Stuffed Pasta shells have become a holiday tradition. The way creamy cheese earthy mushrooms and tender pasta come together creates pure magic on our festive table. Every time I make them that combination of rich Italian flavors brings such joy knowing I can prepare them ahead makes entertaining completely stress-free.

Pure Holiday Magic

What makes these shells so wonderful is how they deliver restaurant-worthy results right from my home oven. That perfect blend of cheeses creates the most luxurious filling while our rich sauce transforms everything into something truly special. They've become my go-to recipe for both elegant gatherings and cozy family dinners.

What You'll Need

  • Good Butter: Creates our flavorful foundation.
  • Fresh Mushrooms: I love shiitake or cremini for depth.
  • Dried Herbs: My perfect Italian blend.
  • Fresh Garlic: Adding such wonderful warmth.
  • Flour: Just enough for silky sauce.
  • Our Liquids: Milk and white wine create magic.
  • Four Cheeses: Each bringing something special.
  • Spinach: Adding color and goodness.
  • Large Shells: Perfect pockets for filling.

Let's Start Cooking

Mushroom Magic
I start with those beautiful mushrooms letting them turn golden with butter and herbs their aroma fills my kitchen.
Sauce Dreams
That butter garlic and herb base transforms into the silkiest sauce once our flour milk and wine join in.
Perfect Pasta
The shells need just enough cooking to keep them sturdy for stuffing.
Assembly Time
Filling each shell becomes a meditation watching them nestle into their creamy sauce bed.
Golden Finish
Under the foil then uncovered until everything's bubbling and beautiful.
A creamy pasta dish made with shell-shaped noodles, mushrooms, and a sprinkle of parsley, baked in a white dish. Save it
A creamy pasta dish made with shell-shaped noodles, mushrooms, and a sprinkle of parsley, baked in a white dish. | myhomemaderecipe.com

My Kitchen Secrets

Those shells need to be just slightly firm they'll keep cooking in the sauce. I always squeeze my spinach really well nobody wants watery filling. Fresh grated cheese makes such a difference and that little rest before serving lets everything settle perfectly.

Make It Special

Sometimes I'll use wild mushrooms when I want something extra special or swap in cottage cheese for a different texture. Fresh herbs brighten everything up and when we're craving meat Italian sausage makes a wonderful addition.

Perfect Partners

I love serving these shells with a bright arugula salad that lemony dressing cuts through all the richness perfectly. Some crusty garlic bread on the side never hurts and a glass of crisp white wine makes everything feel festive.

Keeping It Fresh

These shells keep beautifully in the fridge for several days. When reheating I cover them with foil to keep them moist. For busy seasons I'll make extra to freeze knowing a special dinner is just a thaw away.

Avoiding Pitfalls

Watch those shells while boiling they need to be just right for stuffing. Take your time with the sauce whisking gradually creates that perfect silky texture. A little rest after baking makes serving so much easier.

Holiday Star

This dish brings such magic to our holiday table. The way it combines creamy comfort with elegant presentation makes it perfect for special occasions. Having it ready ahead lets me enjoy time with guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen.

A plate of baked pasta shells in a creamy sauce, topped with grated cheese and fresh herbs, beside a textured cloth and decorative greenery. Save it
A plate of baked pasta shells in a creamy sauce, topped with grated cheese and fresh herbs, beside a textured cloth and decorative greenery. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this ahead?

You can assemble the dish a day ahead and refrigerate. Add 10-15 minutes to baking time if cooking from cold.

→ Can I substitute the wine?

Yes, substitute with chicken broth for an alcohol-free version. The sauce will still be rich and flavorful.

→ What mushrooms work best?

Either shiitake or cremini mushrooms work well. Choose based on availability and preference, as both provide rich flavor.

→ Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, freeze before baking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add extra baking time until heated through.

→ Why cover with foil while baking?

Foil prevents the top from browning too quickly while the inside heats through. Remove it at the end for golden brown top.

Conclusion

A festive pasta dish combining rich cheeses, spinach, and mushrooms in a wine-infused sauce, perfect for special holiday meals.

Christmas Stuffed Pasta

Pasta shells filled with ricotta, provolone and spinach, topped with wine-infused cheese sauce and golden mushrooms. An elegant holiday dish.

Prep Time
45 Minutes
Cook Time
50 Minutes
Total Time
95 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 8 Servings (8 servings)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 stick salted butter.
02 3 cups sliced mushrooms.
03 2 teaspoons dried thyme.
04 2 cloves garlic, chopped.
05 2 teaspoons dried basil.
06 2 teaspoons dried oregano.
07 1/4 cup plain flour.
08 2 cups milk.
09 2 cups white wine or broth.
10 1 cup mozzarella cheese.
11 3/4 cup parmesan cheese.
12 1 pound large pasta shells.
13 2 cups ricotta cheese.
14 2 cups provolone cheese.
15 2 packages frozen spinach.

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease 9x13 pan.

Step 02

Sauté mushrooms in butter until golden, add herbs.

Step 03

Make roux with butter and flour, add wine and milk. Stir in cheese.

Step 04

Cook shells until al dente.

Step 05

Mix ricotta, provolone and spinach.

Step 06

Layer sauce, fill shells with ricotta mix, top with cheese and mushrooms.

Step 07

Cover and bake 25 minutes, uncover and bake 15-20 minutes more.

Notes

  1. Can be made ahead.
  2. Wine can be substituted with broth.
  3. Freezes well.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13 baking dish.
  • Large pot.
  • Medium pot.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Milk.
  • Wheat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 580
  • Total Fat: 32 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
  • Protein: 28 g