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Festive Christmas Stuffed Pasta Recipe
Ash Tyrrell

Festive Christmas Stuffed Pasta Recipe

I still remember the first time I made this festive Christmas stuffed pasta — 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.
Prep Time 35 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients
  

  • 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.

Method
 

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

Notes

  • 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.