Easy Christmas Stuffed Pasta

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Christmas is the perfect time to gather loved ones and share a meal that brings warmth and joy to the table. Easy Christmas Stuffed Pasta is a delightful dish that blends creamy cheeses, tender spinach, savory mushrooms, and perfectly cooked pasta shells. It’s comfort food elevated to holiday-worthy status, with every bite bursting with cozy flavors and a touch of elegance.

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This dish offers a balance of textures and flavors: velvety cheese sauce, earthy mushrooms, and tender pasta. The best part? It’s easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy holiday schedules. Whether served as a main course or a side, it’s guaranteed to be the star of your Christmas dinner.

Ingredients

For the Mushrooms:

• 1 stick (8 tablespoons) salted butter, divided
• 3 cups shiitake or cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• Kosher salt and black pepper (to taste)

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 1/4 cup plain flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups white wine or chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano

For the Stuffed Pasta:

• 1 pound large pasta shells
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded provolone cheese
• 2 (10-ounce) packages frozen spinach, thawed and drained

For Assembly:

• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Cook the Mushrooms

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• In a medium pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and let them cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes until golden.
• Sprinkle in the dried thyme, garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir and cook for another 4-5 minutes until fragrant. Remove the mushrooms from the skillet and set them aside.

2. Make the Cheese Sauce

• Using the same skillet, melt the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter. Add the basil and oregano, cooking for 30 seconds until aromatic.
• Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.
• Gradually add the white wine (or chicken broth) and milk, whisking to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and stir for 1 minute until slightly thickened.
• Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in 1/2 cup of mozzarella and 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Set aside.

3. Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook them al dente according to the package directions.
• Drain the pasta and allow it to cool enough to handle.

4. Prepare the Filling and Assemble the Shells

• In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, provolone cheese, and thawed spinach. Mix until well combined.
• Spread 1/3 of the prepared cheese sauce evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish.
• Working with one pasta shell at a time, fill each with about 1 tablespoon of the ricotta mixture. Place the filled shells in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.

5. Finish Assembly and Bake

• Sprinkle 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese over the stuffed shells.
• Pour the remaining cheese sauce evenly over the shells, ensuring they’re well-coated.
• Sprinkle with 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese and top with the cooked mushrooms.
• Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese sauce is bubbly.
• Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
• Garnish with fresh thyme if desired and serve warm.

Vivid Descriptions of Flavors and Textures

This dish is a festive symphony of creamy, cheesy goodness and earthy, savory mushrooms. The ricotta-spinach filling is rich yet light, with the provolone cheese adding a touch of sharpness. The mushrooms bring an umami depth that complements the creamy cheese sauce, which is luxuriously smooth with hints of garlic, basil, and oregano.

As the dish bakes, the cheese melts into the pasta, creating a golden, bubbly crust that’s impossible to resist. The aroma of thyme, garlic, and melted cheese fills your kitchen, signaling a comforting and indulgent meal.

Tips and Tricks

• Ingredient Substitutions:
  • Substitute fresh spinach for frozen if desired—sauté until wilted before mixing.
  • Use gruyère or fontina cheese in place of provolone for a unique flavor twist.
  • Opt for gluten-free pasta shells and flour to make the dish gluten-free.
• Variations:
  • Add cooked sausage or shredded chicken to the ricotta filling for extra protein.
  • Sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with olive oil and herbs on top for added crunch.
  • Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers into the filling for a burst of flavor.
• Serving Suggestions:
  • Serve with a fresh green salad and crusty garlic bread to complete the meal.
  • Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red like Pinot Noir.
• Storage and Reheating:
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, adding a touch of milk or broth to keep it creamy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Christmas Stuffed Pasta is the ultimate holiday dish, combining the comforting flavors of a classic casserole with the elegance of stuffed pasta. It’s easy to prepare, customizable to your preferences, and perfect for feeding a crowd.

The rich flavors and creamy textures make it a hit with kids and adults alike, while its festive presentation ensures it stands out on any holiday table. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or a holiday party, this dish is bound to become a new Christmas tradition.

So grab your apron and bring the holiday spirit to your kitchen with this decadent and crowd-pleasing recipe!