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Turkey and Spinach Stuffed Shells

By , Recipe Editor
Turkey and Spinach Stuffed Shells

Recipe Details

Prep 20 m
Cook 35 m
Total 55 m
Serves 4
Calories 485 kcal
Level Medium

"These jumbo pasta shells are filled with a savory combination of lean ground turkey, vibrant baby spinach, and creamy ricotta cheese. Baked to perfection in a rich marinara sauce, this dish offers a lighter, protein-forward twist on a classic Italian-American comfort food favorite."

Ingredients

Qty Item
8 ounces Jumbo pasta shells
12 ounces Lean ground turkey
5 ounces Fresh baby spinach
15 ounces Part-skim ricotta cheese
1.5 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese
0.5 cups Grated Parmesan cheese
1 large Egg, lightly beaten
24 ounces Marinara sauce
3 cloves Garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Dried oregano
1 tablespoon Olive oil

How to Make Turkey and Spinach Stuffed Shells

1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the jumbo shells for 2 minutes less than the package directions (al dente). Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.

2

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it into small crumbles. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

3

Add the fresh spinach to the skillet with the turkey. Stir frequently until the spinach is completely wilted. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool for 5 minutes.

4

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, half of the mozzarella, the Parmesan cheese, and dried oregano. Fold in the cooked turkey and spinach mixture.

5

Spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.

6

Using a spoon or a small cookie scoop, fill each cooked pasta shell generously with the turkey and cheese mixture. Arrange the stuffed shells in the baking dish.

7

Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.

8

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.


Tips for Best Results

  • ·

    Squeeze any excess moisture out of the spinach if you use frozen spinach to prevent the filling from becoming watery.

  • ·

    To make stuffing easier, transfer the filling to a large piping bag with the tip cut off.

  • ·

    Cook the pasta shells slightly less than al dente; they will finish cooking in the oven and maintain a better texture.

  • ·

    Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce if you prefer a little heat.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these stuffed shells ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the shells up to 24 hours in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator and add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Can I freeze turkey and spinach stuffed shells?
Absolutely. Assemble them in a freezer-safe dish, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, just ensure you thaw it completely and squeeze out all the excess water using a clean kitchen towel before adding it to the turkey.
Is there a substitute for ricotta cheese?
Cottage cheese is a great high-protein substitute. Pulse it in a blender briefly if you prefer a smoother texture like ricotta.

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