Every year, long before the holidays approach, I picture endless hours of leisurely family fun. Yet I’m somehow always surprised that our holiday season seems at least as rushed and over-scheduled as it is relaxing.

This Baked Stuffed Pasta recipe is the hero of this tale, because it’s elegant and impressive, yet deceptively easy to prepare on a very busy day. It’s perfect for a holiday celebration, when time is scarce, expectations high, and a few shortcuts welcome. With just five ingredients, each one can be prepared in advance.

Instead of cheese, these pasta shells are stuffed with a delicious and creamy mashed potato and spinach filling. Smothered in a zesty red sauce, the shells are then oven-baked until piping hot.

I like to prepare a large batch of spicy marinara well ahead of time, adding grilled bell peppers, zucchini, and sweet onions. I blend the sauce until almost smooth, and stash away extras in the freezer. For convenience, or in a pinch, you can use a favorite store-bought sauce.

Double this recipe if needed, depending on the size of your gathering and the other dishes you’ll be serving. Add a colorful salad, roasted seasonal vegetables, and loaf of warm whole-grain bread, for a beautifully simple holiday meal.

Pasta is generally a crowd pleaser, but this recipe elevates ordinary ingredients into a dish worthy of special occasions. Regardless of the traditions you already enjoy, and whether your guests are vegan or not, Baked Stuffed Pasta is a wonderful addition to a holiday table.

This time of year, the meals we share with family and friends are the perfect time to count our blessings, as we provide nourishment to those we love. I feel blessed to be able to do that, and I’m sure you do too…

To all of you, I wish a joyous holiday season, and a happy and healthy vegan New Year!