Festive Christmas Stuffed Pasta Recipe | Cheesy & Holiday-Perfect

I still remember the first time I made this festive Christmas stuffed pasta recipe — I was nervous, convinced it would be too fancy for a regular home cook like me. Growing up, “pasta night” just meant noodles and jarred sauce, so the idea of stuffing pasta shells sounded intimidating.

But once I tried this recipe, I realized how easy and fun it actually is! Now it’s my signature holiday dish — creamy, cheesy, and full of rich flavor that never fails to impress.

Even my kids, who usually prefer plain spaghetti, go back for seconds every single time. You can also enjoy similar flavors with this comforting Gyro Bowls Recipe that brings a unique Mediterranean twist to your dinner table.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this rich, comforting Christmas stuffed pasta. Each ingredient plays a role in building depth and texture — and trust me, fresh ingredients make all the difference!

1 stick (8 tablespoons) salted butter – Adds richness and flavor to both the sauce and mushrooms.
3 cups sliced shiitake or cremini mushrooms – Use fresh mushrooms for a meaty texture and earthy taste. Avoid washing them under water; just wipe clean.
2 teaspoons dried thyme – Brings a warm, herby depth perfect for the holidays.
2 chopped garlic cloves – Fresh garlic adds the best aroma and flavor; avoid jarred for this recipe.
2 teaspoons dried basil – Pairs beautifully with cheese and mushrooms for that Italian flair.
2 teaspoons dried oregano – Balances the creaminess of the sauce with subtle spice.
Kosher salt and pepper to taste – Season each step for layered flavor.
1/4 cup plain flour – Helps thicken the sauce for that creamy, restaurant-style texture.
2 cups milk – Whole milk works best for a rich and silky sauce.
2 cups white wine or chicken broth – White wine adds depth, while broth keeps it family-friendly.
1 cup shredded mozzarella – Freshly grated melts smoother than pre-shredded cheese.
3/4 cup grated parmesan – Adds sharp, nutty flavor to the sauce and topping.
1 pound large pasta shells – Cook until just al dente; they’ll bake further in the oven.
2 cups ricotta cheese – Creamy and mild, perfect for the filling.
2 cups shredded provolone cheese – Brings a buttery, melty finish to the stuffing.
2 (10-ounce) packages frozen spinach, thawed and drained – Be sure to squeeze out excess water for a firm, flavorful filling.

Note: Serves approximately 6–8 people, perfect for a cozy family dinner or a small Christmas gathering.

Variations

Want to tweak this recipe to suit your preferences? Here are some tasty and practical swaps I’ve tried over time:

Dairy-free: Replace butter with olive oil, milk with oat or almond milk, and use dairy-free cheese blends.
Gluten-free: Swap flour for gluten-free all-purpose flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
Meat option: Add cooked ground turkey or Italian sausage into the filling for extra protein.
Veggie boost: Mix in finely chopped roasted bell peppers or zucchini with the spinach.
Flavor twist: Add a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce for a cozy holiday note.

Or try the creamy Roasted Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese Recipe if you’re craving something equally indulgent with a little kick.

Cooking Time

This recipe might look fancy, but it’s actually quite doable — even for a busy holiday evening!

Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Equipment You Need

Here’s what you’ll want ready before you start cooking:

Large pot: For boiling the pasta shells.
Skillet or saucepan: To cook mushrooms and make the cheese sauce.
Mixing bowls: For combining the cheese and spinach filling.
Whisk: Helps make the sauce smooth and lump-free.
Baking dish (9×13 inch): For layering and baking your stuffed pasta.
Foil: To cover the dish while baking to prevent over-browning.

How to Make Festive Christmas Stuffed Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Sauté the Mushrooms

Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet and add the mushrooms. Let them cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes to achieve a golden-brown color.

Stir in thyme, salt, and pepper, and cook another few minutes until fragrant. Set the mushrooms aside once they’re tender and rich in color.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Cheese Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add garlic, basil, and oregano, cooking just until aromatic. Whisk in the flour and let it cook for about a minute to remove the raw taste.

Slowly pour in the wine (or broth) and milk, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens. Take it off the heat and stir in mozzarella and parmesan until fully melted and smooth.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta Shells

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the shells for 2 minutes less than the package directions — they should be firm enough to handle later. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, provolone, and well-drained spinach. Mix until creamy and evenly blended. Spread a thin layer of cheese sauce (about one-third) on the bottom of your baking dish to keep the shells from sticking.

Step 5: Stuff and Arrange the Shells

Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each shell with about 1–2 tablespoons of the spinach-cheese mixture. Arrange them snugly in the prepared baking dish. Continue until all shells are filled and lined up neatly.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella over the filled shells, then pour the rest of the cheese sauce evenly on top. Add parmesan and the cooked mushrooms as a flavorful topping. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden. Serve hot and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme or parsley for that festive touch.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

From my kitchen experience, here are a few helpful tricks that make this pasta turn out amazing every time:

Always let your cheese come to room temperature before mixing — it helps the filling stay smooth.
Press the spinach between paper towels to remove all excess moisture. This prevents a watery filling.
Use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded; it melts more evenly and tastes richer.
If you want to prep ahead, assemble everything the night before and refrigerate until baking time.
I like to bake it uncovered for the last 10 minutes to get that perfect golden crust.

How to Serve Festive Christmas Stuffed Pasta Recipe

This dish is rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor — so I like to serve it with something light and fresh. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette pairs perfectly.

Garlic bread is a must for soaking up the sauce, and roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or broccoli add nice color and crunch. If it’s a holiday dinner, pour yourself a glass of the same white wine used in the sauce for the perfect pairing.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutritional values per serving (approximate):

Calories: 520 kcal
Protein: 26 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fat: 25 g

This dish is indulgent — but hey, it’s the holidays!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen beautifully overnight.

Freezing

You can assemble the dish fully and freeze it (covered tightly with foil) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Reheating

Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 20–25 minutes, covered with foil. For smaller portions, the microwave works fine — just add a splash of milk if the sauce thickens too much.

Make Ahead

You can prepare this recipe a full day in advance. Just refrigerate it before baking, and let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before putting it in the oven.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons this Christmas stuffed pasta will become your go-to holiday meal:

Effortlessly impressive: It looks restaurant-quality but is easy enough for anyone to make.
Make-ahead friendly: You can prep it early and bake it right before guests arrive.
Customizable: Works for vegetarians, meat lovers, and dairy-free guests alike.
Family-approved: Even picky eaters love the cheesy filling and creamy sauce.
Perfect for holidays: Its festive flavors and golden, bubbling top make it the star of your Christmas dinner table.

Ash Tyrrell