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Turkey Stuffed Shells

Turkey Stuffed Shells recipe image
This comforting dish features jumbo pasta shells stuffed with a savory mixture of lean ground turkey, ricotta cheese, and melted mozzarella, all swimming in a hearty marinara sauce. Its a lighter twist on classic stuffed shells that doesnt sacrifice flavor. The turkey cooks up juicy and tender, while the pasta holds its shape perfectly under a golden layer of bubbly cheese. Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, these shells reheat beautifully and freeze well. With just a few simple ingredients, youll have a restaurant-quality Italian meal on the table in under an hour.
Cooking Method: ,
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 8
Calories: 232.7
Description
This comforting dish features jumbo pasta shells stuffed with a savory mixture of lean ground turkey, ricotta cheese, and melted mozzarella, all swimming in a hearty marinara sauce. Its a lighter twist on classic stuffed shells that doesnt sacrifice flavor. The turkey cooks up juicy and tender, while the pasta holds its shape perfectly under a golden layer of bubbly cheese. Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, these shells reheat beautifully and freeze well. With just a few simple ingredients, youll have a restaurant-quality Italian meal on the table in under an hour.
Ingredients
  • 1 pound jumbo pasta shells
  • 1/2 cup Diced Carrot
  • 1 pound Raw Ground Turkey
  • 2 tablespoon Flour
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Directions
  1. 1
    Preheat oven to 375F (190C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. 2
    Cook jumbo pasta shells in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. 3
    In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground turkey until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
  4. 4
    Add diced carrot and flour to the turkey, cooking for 1-2 minutes until carrots begin to soften.
  5. 5
    In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half the mozzarella, egg, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  6. 6
    Stir the cooked turkey mixture into the ricotta mixture until well combined.
  7. 7
    Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  8. 8
    Fill each cooked shell with the turkey-ricotta mixture and arrange them in the baking dish.
  9. 9
    Pour remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells.
  10. 10
    Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  11. 11
    Remove foil, sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese, and bake for another 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  12. 12
    Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8

Amount Per Serving
Calories 232.7kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 4.2g7%
Saturated Fat 1.1g6%
Cholesterol 87.4mg30%
Sodium 89.1mg4%
Total Carbohydrate 14.3g5%
Dietary Fiber 2.1g9%
Sugars 4.0g
Protein 32.3g65%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Storage: Cover leftovers tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350F until warmed through.

Freezing: Assemble the dish but do not bake. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Variation: Swap ground turkey for ground beef or pork for a richer flavor. You can also add spinach or mushrooms to the filling for extra texture and nutrients.

Tips: If the shells seem too dry after baking, add a splash of water or extra sauce before covering with foil. Make sure not to overcook the pasta initially, as it will continue to cook in the oven.

Ingredient Note: The original ingredient list included flour and diced carrots but lacked cheese and sauce. These have been added to create a complete, realistic recipe. If using leftover cooked turkey, skip the browning step and just warm it through.

Keywords: turkey stuffed shells, italian pasta, ground turkey recipe, ricotta cheese, marinara sauce, baked pasta, family dinner, comfort food, meal prep, freezer friendly, jumbo shells, healthy italian, protein packed, cheese sauce, oven baked, easy dinner, leftover friendly, ground meat pasta, classic italian
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/turkey-stuffed-shells/