Delicious Turkey and Spinach Stuffed Shells Recipe

There’s something simply magical about Turkey and Spinach Stuffed Shells. Imagine large pasta shells embraced by a creamy, cheesy filling, bursting with savory turkey and vibrant spinach. air fryer turkey meatloaf The aroma wafts through your kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around the table. creamy chicken gloria creamy mushroom chicken recipe It’s not just food; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, ideal for family dinners or cozy gatherings.

I remember the first time I made this dish. My friends came over for dinner, and as soon as they took a bite, their eyes lit up like Christmas morning! They couldn’t believe how delicious and comforting stuffed shells could be. Now, I whip them up for any occasion that calls for a crowd-pleaser.

I once served these stuffed shells at a potluck, and people were begging for the recipe before they even finished their first helping. Thai coconut curry dumpling soup.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Large Pasta Shells: These serve as the perfect vessel for our flavorful filling, so grab a box of about 20-25 shells.

• Ground Turkey: Lean ground turkey keeps this dish healthier while still packing in tons of flavor.

• Fresh Spinach: Use fresh spinach for vibrant color and texture; it wilts down beautifully when cooked.

• Ricotta Cheese: This creamy cheese adds richness; opt for whole-milk ricotta for an extra indulgent touch.

• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Who can resist gooey melted cheese? It’s essential for that delightful topping.

• Your Favorite Marinara Sauce: Choose a jarred sauce you love or whip up your own from scratch; either works!

• Garlic and Onion: These aromatics build a wonderful flavor base that makes everything taste better.

• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs will elevate the filling with classic Italian flavors.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all those fantastic flavors in this dish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Dish: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.

Cook the Pasta Shells: Boil salted water in a large pot. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside on parchment paper to cool slightly.

Sauté the Filling Ingredients: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant and translucent—about 3-4 minutes.

Add Ground Turkey and Spinach: Stir in ground turkey into the skillet with seasonings until cooked through. Add fresh spinach, cooking until wilted—about 2-3 minutes. For more inspiration, check out this ground turkey bake recipe recipe.

Mix Everything Together: In a large bowl, combine cooked turkey mixture with ricotta cheese and half of the mozzarella. Blend well until creamy and perfectly mixed.

Stuff Those Shells!: Fill each shell generously with the turkey-spinach mixture using a spoon or piping bag. Place stuffed shells in your greased baking dish side by side.

Add Marinara Sauce and Cheese Topping: Pour marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells; sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top for that cheesy goodness.

Bake Until Golden Brown!: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbling golden brown.

Serve hot straight from the oven! Your kitchen will smell heavenly; get ready for compliments!

Turkey and Spinach Stuffed Shells are not just comfort food; they’re also an easy way to sneak some greens into your meal without anyone noticing! So gather your loved ones around the table—trust me; they’ll thank you later! For more inspiration, check out this Thanksgiving appetizers recipe.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating the oven while you cook the turkey and spinach mixture. Simultaneously, boil the pasta shells to ensure everything finishes at the same time for optimal flavor.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap ground turkey with chicken or beef for different flavors. Add spices like Italian seasoning or even a dash of hot sauce for a kick!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes.

Creating these Turkey and Spinach Stuffed Shells always reminds me of family gatherings where everyone would dive into seconds—no one could resist their cheesy goodness!

FAQ

Can I use frozen spinach for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain it well before using.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Simply replace turkey with more vegetables or a plant-based protein.

What should I serve with stuffed shells?

Pair them with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

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Turkey and Spinach Stuffed Shells

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• Author: Michaela Thompson
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Turkey and Spinach Stuffed Shells are a comforting and delicious dish, perfect for family dinners or gatherings. These large pasta shells are filled with a creamy mixture of lean turkey and fresh spinach, topped with marinara sauce and gooey mozzarella cheese. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, this recipe is sure to impress everyone at your table.

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Ingredients

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• 20 large pasta shells
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Cook the pasta shells in salted water until al dente, then drain.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
4. Add ground turkey and cook until browned. Stir in spinach until wilted.
5. In a bowl, mix the turkey mixture with ricotta cheese and half of the mozzarella.
6. Stuff each shell with the filling and place in the baking dish.
7. Pour marinara sauce over stuffed shells and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella.
8. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells (about 300g)
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 70mg