Festive Christmas Stuffed Pasta

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When the holiday season rolls around, I crave meals that feel both comforting and celebratory. This Festive Christmas Stuffed Pasta checks all the boxes—rich, hearty, and packed with seasonal flavor. It’s the kind of dish that fills your home with irresistible aromas and makes everyone at the table feel instantly festive. Whether you’re hosting Christmas dinner or just need a cozy December night meal, this pasta dish is a standout.

I’ve always loved pasta bakes, but there’s something especially magical about stuffed pasta in a rich tomato sauce, bubbling from the oven with a golden cheesy topping. The filling in this version—creamy ricotta, wilted spinach, and a hint of nutmeg—feels indulgent but not too heavy. Rolled up in pasta sheets and baked in a simple marinara, it’s the perfect marriage of elegance and comfort.

Why You’ll Love This Festive Christmas Stuffed Pasta

This recipe is a showstopper without being overly complicated. You’ll love how:

• It brings a restaurant-quality dish right to your home.
• The vibrant red and green colors make it ideal for the holidays.
• It’s vegetarian-friendly, yet satisfying enough for meat lovers.
• You can prep it ahead of time—perfect for busy December schedules.
• It freezes and reheats beautifully.

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What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

For this recipe, fresh lasagna sheets work wonderfully. They’re easy to roll and cook up tender in the oven. If you can’t find fresh pasta, boil dried lasagna noodles until just pliable. Alternatively, large pasta shells (like conchiglioni) can be filled and baked in the same way.

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Options for Substitutions

• Cheese: Swap ricotta for cottage cheese or mascarpone for a silkier texture.
• Greens: Kale or Swiss chard make great substitutes for spinach.
• Sauce: Use a béchamel instead of marinara for a white Christmas version.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta sheets or shells available at most grocery stores.
• Protein Boost: Mix in some sautéed mushrooms or crumbled plant-based sausage for extra depth.

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Ingredients for Festive Christmas Stuffed Pasta

• Fresh lasagna sheets – These are ideal for rolling and give a tender bite after baking.
• Ricotta cheese – Creamy and mild, it forms the base of the filling.
• Parmesan cheese – Adds a sharp, salty depth to the filling and topping.
• Mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully and provides that irresistible gooey top layer.
• Fresh spinach – Lightly sautéed and chopped, it adds color and nutrients.
• Nutmeg – Just a pinch enhances the richness of the ricotta and spinach.
• Egg – Helps bind the filling together.
• Salt and black pepper – Essential seasoning to balance flavors.
• Garlic – Infuses the spinach with savory depth.
• Olive oil – Used for sautéing and layering flavor.
• Marinara sauce – The classic base that holds everything together and adds acidity.
• Fresh basil – For garnish and a burst of herbal brightness.

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Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Toss in the spinach and sauté until wilted. Transfer to a colander and squeeze out as much liquid as possible, then finely chop. In a large bowl, combine the spinach with ricotta, grated Parmesan, a beaten egg, a pinch of nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

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Step 2: Cook the Pasta Sheets

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Gently boil the fresh lasagna sheets for about 1-2 minutes just until they’re pliable. If using dried lasagna noodles, cook until al dente. Drain and lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel to prevent sticking.

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Step 3: Assemble the Rolls

Spread a generous spoonful of filling across each lasagna sheet and roll it up tightly. If using pasta shells instead, fill each shell with a tablespoon or two of the mixture. Spoon some marinara sauce onto the base of your baking dish and arrange the rolls or shells seam-side down.

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Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese

Pour more marinara sauce over the top of the pasta, making sure each roll is covered. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and additional Parmesan. Cover the dish loosely with foil.

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Step 5: Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the dish covered for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil just before bringing it to the table.

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How Long to Prepare the Festive Christmas Stuffed Pasta

Prep Time: Preparing this dish from scratch takes about 30 to 40 minutes. This includes sautéing the spinach, mixing the filling, cooking the pasta sheets, and assembling the rolls. If you’re working efficiently or have a helper, this part can move along quickly.

Bake Time: The baking process takes about 30 to 35 minutes—20 minutes covered, then another 10 to 15 minutes uncovered to get that golden cheesy finish. Letting it rest for 5–10 minutes post-bake helps everything settle and makes serving easier.

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Tips for Perfect Festive Christmas Stuffed Pasta

• Don’t overcook the pasta before assembling—just soften it enough to roll without tearing.
• Drain and dry the spinach thoroughly; excess moisture can make the filling watery.
• Taste the filling before adding the egg to check for salt and seasoning.
• Use a high-quality marinara or homemade sauce for the best flavor.
• Let the dish rest after baking—it helps it set and enhances flavor.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the spinach squeeze: Failing to press out water from the spinach can make the filling runny.
• Overfilling the pasta: Too much filling makes rolling difficult and may cause tearing.
• Not seasoning the filling: Ricotta needs salt and seasoning—don’t skip tasting it.
• Using dry pasta without pre-cooking: You need to soften dry sheets before rolling.
• Overbaking: Once the cheese is golden and bubbling, it’s ready—don’t let it dry out.

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What to Serve With Festive Christmas Stuffed Pasta?

1. Garlic Bread

Crispy and buttery, garlic bread is perfect for soaking up extra marinara sauce.

2. Winter Salad

A light arugula or mixed greens salad with cranberries, walnuts, and a balsamic vinaigrette balances the richness.

3. Roasted Vegetables

Seasonal roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots add color and texture.

4. Sparkling Cranberry Mocktail

A festive drink that pairs beautifully and adds a refreshing twist.

5. Antipasto Platter

Start with a spread of marinated olives, roasted peppers, and cheese cubes to complement the Italian flavors.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigerate: Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat covered in the oven or microwave until hot throughout.

Freeze: Assemble the dish fully but don’t bake. Wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. You can also freeze individual portions after baking for quick meals.

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Estimated Nutrition

Note: Nutrition values are estimates based on typical ingredients.

• Calories: ~420 per serving
• Protein: 20g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 640mg
• Cholesterol: 70mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the pasta from tearing while rolling?

Boil just until pliable—overcooking leads to tearing. Handle gently and dry the sheets before filling.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble it a day in advance and refrigerate, then bake just before serving.

What’s the best cheese combo for maximum flavor?

Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan give a great balance of creaminess, melt, and sharpness.

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, just thaw and squeeze out all the moisture before adding it to the filling.

Is it possible to add meat to the filling?

Yes! Browned ground sausage or turkey can be mixed into the ricotta for a heartier dish.

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Conclusion

Festive Christmas Stuffed Pasta is the ultimate holiday comfort dish—warm, hearty, and bursting with rich Italian flavor. It’s ideal for feeding a crowd or simply creating a cozy meal with festive flair. Whether you’re making it for Christmas dinner or a quiet December evening, it’s guaranteed to become a seasonal favorite.

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