Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I unwrapped an array of colorful fresh ingredients for the season’s cooking, my eyes lit up at the thought of the festive Christmas Stuffed Pasta I was about to create. This vegetarian-friendly delight not only delivers comfort; it effortlessly transforms any holiday gathering with its beautiful presentation. Picture tender pasta sheets cradling a dreamy blend of creamy ricotta and vibrant spinach, all topped with a luscious layer of bubbling cheese and rich marinara sauce. Not only is this dish a crowd-pleaser with its harmonious flavors, but it also allows for creativity—perfect for festive occasions. Ready to elevate your holiday dining experience? Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe together! Why is Christmas Stuffed Pasta a Must-Try? Irresistible flavors: This dish combines the warmth of creamy ricotta and nutritious spinach, creating a filling that’s simply unforgettable. Festive presentation: The vibrant colors and bubbling cheese make it not just a meal, but a centerpiece. Vegetarian-friendly: Perfect for all your plant-loving guests, ensuring everyone can join in the holiday cheer. Quick and easy: With just a few steps, you’ll have a stunning dish that looks like it took hours to prepare. Versatile charm: Feel free to add any proteins or veggies you desire, allowing for personal touches that your family will love! Pair it with a crisp green salad or even some delicious toasted garlic bread for a complete festive meal that everyone will rave about! Christmas Stuffed Pasta Ingredients • Discover the delightful components of this festive dish! For the Pasta Fresh pasta sheets – Essential for a perfect structure; feel free to use store-bought lasagna or ravioli if pressed for time. For the Filling Ricotta cheese – Offers a creamy texture; cottage cheese can be used for a lighter alternative. Spinach – Provides a nutrient boost and delicious flavor; fresh is best, but frozen works if well-drained. Pinch of nutmeg – Elevates the filling’s flavor profile; skip if you’re sensitive to spices. For the Topping Mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully and enhances flavor; use fresh mozzarella for an even richer taste. Grated Parmesan cheese – Perfect for topping to add a burst of flavor; Pecorino Romano can substitute for a sharper kick. Marinara sauce – Adds moisture and tanginess; use homemade or store-bought based on your preference. For Garnish Fresh basil – Adds a fresh touch and brightens the dish; optional but highly recommended. This Christmas stuffed pasta is sure to be the star of your festive gatherings! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Stuffed Pasta Step 1: Prepare the filling Begin by sautéing fresh spinach in a bit of olive oil over medium heat until wilted, about 3-4 minutes. If using frozen spinach, thaw and drain it well. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach with ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and a pinch of nutmeg. Stir until the filling is smooth and creamy, then set aside while you prepare the pasta. Step 2: Assemble the pasta Roll out fresh pasta sheets on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thick, or prepare store-bought sheets according to package instructions. Place a spoonful of the filling onto each pasta sheet, leaving space for sealing. Fold the pasta over the filling and press the edges firmly to seal; ensure there are no air pockets to prevent them from bursting during cooking. Step 3: Cook the pasta Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil over high heat. Carefully add the coated Christmas stuffed pasta to the boiling water, ensuring they’re not overcrowded. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the pasta floats to the surface, indicating they are done. Use a slotted spoon to gently remove them and set aside on a plate to cool slightly. Step 4: Assemble the dish Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Neatly arrange the cooked stuffed pasta on top of the sauce, then drizzle additional marinara over the pasta. Finally, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top, ensuring a generous coating for that delicious cheesy crust. Step 5: Bake Place your assembled Christmas stuffed pasta in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes to ensure it doesn’t over-brown, and enjoy the mouthwatering aroma that fills your kitchen as it cooks. Step 6: Garnish and serve Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish the top with fresh basil leaves for added flavor and a pop of color. Serve warm and enjoy the festive Christmas stuffed pasta with family and friends, reveling in the delightful blend of flavors and textures. Christmas Stuffed Pasta Variations Feel free to play around with flavors and ingredients to make this festive dish truly your own! Dairy-Free: Substitute ricotta with cashew cream or tofu to stay creamy yet dairy-free. This twist keeps the filling delicious without sacrificing texture. Protein-Packed: Add cooked chicken or Italian sausage to your filling for a hearty dish. This can elevate the dish even more, catering to meat lovers at your holiday gathering. Vegetable Medley: Toss in roasted mushrooms or sautéed zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition. These vegetables complement the creamy filling beautifully, adding delightful textures. Spice it Up: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes into the filling or topping for a kick of heat. It’s a wonderful surprise that adds excitement to each bite. Nutty Flavor: Add toasted pine nuts or walnuts to the spinach and ricotta mixture for an earthy crunch. The nuttiness enhances the overall richness of the dish. Saucy Upgrade: Try a rich white sauce or garlic cream sauce instead of marinara for a decadent finish. This creamy alternative will surely impress your holiday guests. Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or oregano mixed into the filling. A touch of fresh flavor can work wonders, brightening up this dish. After you perfect your Christmas Stuffed Pasta, consider serving it with a refreshing side like Tomato Zucchini Pasta or complementing it a gourmet salad. Enjoy creating a festive feast that will leave everyone asking for seconds! Expert Tips for Christmas Stuffed Pasta Seal Properly: Make sure to press the edges firmly when sealing the pasta to prevent bursting during cooking. Avoid Sticking: Dust pasta sheets lightly with flour to keep them from sticking together while you assemble. Prep Ahead: Prepare the filling a day in advance and refrigerate it for a more convenient assembly process on the day of your festive meal. Test Before Cooking: If using frozen spinach, ensure it’s completely thawed and well-drained to avoid excess moisture in your Christmas stuffed pasta. Cheese Choices: For the best melting results, opt for fresh mozzarella over pre-shredded cheese, as it creates a gooier texture when baked. What to Serve with Festive Christmas Stuffed Pasta Bring your holiday feast to life with these delicious accompaniments that elevate your dining experience. Crisp Green Salad: A refreshing salad with mixed greens and a zesty vinaigrette can brighten up the plate, balancing the richness of the pasta. Toasted Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread adds a satisfying crunch, perfect for soaking up the flavorful marinara sauce. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots can enhance the meal with their natural sweetness and comforting textures. Holiday Wine: Pair with a glass of light red wine, such as Pinot Noir, to complement the creamy and savory notes of the stuffed pasta. Creamy Risotto: The creamy texture of a mushroom or saffron risotto creates a luxurious side that aligns beautifully with the pasta dish. Festive Dessert: End the meal on a sweet note with a classic Tiramisu or Pecan Pie, offering a wonderful contrast to the savory flavors offered in your main course. Let these pairings transport your taste buds and transform your gathering into an unforgettable holiday celebration! How to Store and Freeze Christmas Stuffed Pasta Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of marinara sauce if needed for moisture. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the assembled (but unbaked) Christmas stuffed pasta in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking. Reheating: If the stuffed pasta is already cooked, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes. Add extra cheese on top for a delightful finish! Assembly Tip: You can also prepare the filling ahead of time—refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before assembling the dish. This makes for a seamless festive cooking experience! Make Ahead Options These Christmas Stuffed Pasta are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the filling up to 24 hours in advance and keep it refrigerated. Simply sauté the spinach, mix it with ricotta and nutmeg, and store it in an airtight container. Additionally, you can assemble the stuffed pasta and place them in a baking dish, covering with marinara sauce, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan, then bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes until bubbly and golden. This way, you can enjoy a delicious, festive meal with minimal effort—even on the busiest of nights! Christmas Stuffed Pasta Recipe FAQs What kind of spinach should I use for the filling? Absolutely! Fresh spinach is ideal as it offers the best flavor and texture. If using frozen spinach, ensure it is well-drained and thawed. This helps prevent excess moisture that could make your filling watery. How should I store leftovers of Christmas stuffed pasta? Very simply! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the unbaked stuffed pasta in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 months. Remember to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. Can I freeze the Christmas stuffed pasta? If so, how? Yes, you can! To freeze, prepare the stuffed pasta but do not bake it. Place the assembled pasta in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or cover with plastic wrap and foil. When you’re ready to cook, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. This will keep your dish fresh without compromising flavor! What should I do if the pasta bursts while cooking? No worries! This can happen if the edges aren’t sealed properly or if there’s too much filling. Make sure to press the edges firmly and remove excess air pockets before cooking. If they do burst, you can still rescue the dish—it may not look perfect, but the taste will remain delicious! Is this recipe suitable for people with dietary restrictions? Definitely! This Christmas stuffed pasta is vegetarian-friendly, and you can easily adapt it for gluten-free diets by using gluten-free pasta sheets. Additionally, if you’re adjusting for allergies, consider using dairy-free cheese options and omitting any ingredients that might cause a reaction. Always check labels based on personal sensitivities. What should I do if I don’t have ricotta cheese? If ricotta is not on hand, no problem! Cottage cheese is a great substitute for a lighter version, or you can make your own ricotta by blending cottage cheese until smooth. This will still keep the creamy texture and delicious flavor in your Christmas stuffed pasta. Irresistible Christmas Stuffed Pasta for Festive Feasts Enjoy a delightful vegetarian-friendly Christmas Stuffed Pasta that's perfect for festive feasts with its creamy filling and rich marinara. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsCooling Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 55 minutes mins Servings: 6 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: ItalianCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Pasta12 sheets Fresh pasta sheets Can use store-bought lasagna or ravioli if pressed for time.For the Filling15 oz Ricotta cheese Cottage cheese can be used as a lighter alternative.6 oz Spinach Fresh is best, but frozen works if well-drained.1 pinch Nutmeg Elevates the filling's flavor profile; skip if you're sensitive to spices.For the Topping8 oz Mozzarella cheese Use fresh mozzarella for an even richer taste.1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese Pecorino Romano can substitute for a sharper kick.2 cups Marinara sauce Use homemade or store-bought based on your preference.For Garnish1 bunch Fresh basil Optional but highly recommended. Equipment Oven9x13 inch baking dishMixing bowlSlotted spoon Method Preparation StepsBegin by sautéing fresh spinach in a bit of olive oil over medium heat until wilted, about 3-4 minutes. If using frozen spinach, thaw and drain it well.In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach with ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and a pinch of nutmeg. Stir until the filling is smooth and creamy, then set aside.Roll out fresh pasta sheets on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thick, or prepare store-bought sheets according to package instructions.Place a spoonful of the filling onto each pasta sheet, leave space for sealing. Fold over and press edges firmly to seal.Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Carefully add the stuffed pasta and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until they float to the surface.Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish, arrange pasta on top, drizzle with more sauce, and sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.Bake for 20 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden. Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 18gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg NotesMake sure to press the edges firmly when sealing the pasta to prevent bursting during cooking. Prep the filling ahead of time for convenience. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
