Turkey and Spinach Stuffed Shells
A heartwarming dish of jumbo pasta shells stuffed with seasoned ground turkey, fresh spinach, and creamy cheeses, all baked in a rich marinara sauce.
Ingredients
For the filling
- 1 lb ground turkey Lean and savory.
- 1 cup finely minced garlic For flavor.
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped Adds nutrition and color.
- 1.5 cups ricotta cheese For a creamy texture.
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese For melty goodness.
- 1 tsp dried oregano Herbal seasoning.
- Salt and pepper, to taste For seasoning.
For assembly
- 24 pieces jumbo pasta shells, cooked Cooked until al dente.
- 1 jar marinara sauce To envelop the shells.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a pan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat, then add minced garlic to bloom.
- Add ground turkey, spinach, and dried oregano. Cook until turkey is browned and spinach wilts, about 7-8 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the turkey-spinach mixture to a bowl and mix with ricotta and 1 cup of mozzarella.
Assembly
- Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the turkey-spinach filling, packing them gently.
- Arrange stuffed shells in a baking dish and pour marinara sauce over them.
- Top with remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serving
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to allow cheese to set.
- Serve hot with sides like garlic bread or a crisp salad.
Notes
Be careful not to undercook the pasta shells and avoid overstuffing. You can prepare the shells ahead and refrigerate before baking. They also freeze well for meal prep.