Let me tell you, turkey and spinach stuffed shells are an absolute game-changer for family dinners! Picture this: jumbo pasta shells filled to the brim with a savory mixture of ground turkey, fresh spinach, and creamy ricotta, all topped with a bubbling layer of melted cheese. It’s comfort food at its finest! I love how easy this dish is to make, yet it feels so indulgent. You can whip it up on a busy weeknight or serve it at a gathering, and trust me, it’s always a hit. The combination of flavors and textures is just divine, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly it disappears from the table. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into making the best turkey and spinach stuffed shells you’ll ever taste!
Ingredients List
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Prepare Turkey and Spinach Stuffed Shells
- First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key to getting that deliciously bubbly cheese on top later!
- While the oven warms up, cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions. Make sure they’re al dente since they’ll bake a bit more later. Once cooked, drain them and set aside to cool slightly.
- Now, grab a skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and minced garlic, cooking until the turkey is nice and browned, usually about 5-7 minutes. Wow, the aroma is already fantastic!
- Next, toss in the chopped spinach and cook until it’s wilted, which should only take a couple of minutes. This is where the magic happens; the flavors meld beautifully!
- In a mixing bowl, combine the turkey and spinach mixture with the ricotta cheese, the egg, and half of your mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Add a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste. Mix it all up until it’s well combined—this is your stuffing!
- Time to stuff those shells! Carefully fill each pasta shell with the turkey and spinach mixture. Don’t be shy; pack it in there!
- Spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells in the dish and then cover them with the remaining marinara sauce.
- Finally, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Trust me, you’ll be counting down the minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: You can whip these up in about 50 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute family gatherings.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of ground turkey, fresh spinach, and rich cheeses creates a deliciously satisfying meal that everyone will love.
- Healthy Comfort Food: With lean turkey and loads of spinach, these stuffed shells are a tasty way to sneak in some extra nutrition!
- Make-Ahead Friendly: These shells are great for meal prep; you can assemble them ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer for later.
- Customizable: Feel free to switch up the ingredients! You can add your favorite herbs or even swap the turkey for chicken or beef.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Make sure to cook your pasta shells just until al dente. They’ll continue to cook in the oven, and you don’t want them to get mushy!
- Mix it Up: Feel free to add extra veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers to the stuffing for added flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them with the turkey!
- Cheese Lovers Unite: If you’re a cheese enthusiast like me, consider adding more mozzarella or even some feta for a tangy twist!
- Let it Rest: Once your stuffed shells come out of the oven, let them sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the cheesy goodness set a bit!
- Save the Leftovers: If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They make for a delicious lunch the next day!
Variations on Turkey and Spinach Stuffed Shells
One of the best things about turkey and spinach stuffed shells is how adaptable they are! You can easily switch things up to suit your taste or what you have on hand. For a Mediterranean flair, try adding some sun-dried tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese to the stuffing—yum! If you want to kick up the flavor, sprinkle in some Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Not a fan of turkey? No problem! Ground chicken or even a plant-based protein can work wonders. You could also throw in some diced bell peppers or mushrooms into the turkey mixture for added texture and nutrients. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and make this dish your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have any turkey and spinach stuffed shells left over (which is always a delightful surprise!), you can store them easily. Just let the shells cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, making for a fantastic lunch option! You can also freeze them for longer storage—just wrap each shell tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll be good for about 2-3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, simply reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, you can pop them in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, but I recommend the oven for that perfect cheese bubbling goodness. Enjoy every last bite!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving of these scrumptious turkey and spinach stuffed shells, based on a serving size of 2 stuffed shells:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fiber: 3g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. But hey, knowing you’re enjoying a hearty, nutritious meal makes it all the more delicious, right?
FAQ Section
Can I use other types of meat instead of turkey? Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of turkey, ground chicken or even beef will work beautifully in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Can I make these stuffed shells ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the stuffed shells a day in advance and store them in the fridge before baking. Just be sure to cover them well with plastic wrap or foil to keep them fresh.
What can I serve with these stuffed shells? They pair wonderfully with a simple green salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. The fresh flavors balance perfectly with the richness of the stuffed shells!
Can I freeze the stuffed shells? Definitely! Just assemble the shells, but don’t bake them. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, just add a little extra time in the oven to ensure they heat through.
What if I don’t have jumbo pasta shells? No worries! You can use manicotti tubes instead, or even layer the filling in a lasagna-style dish with regular lasagna noodles. It’ll still taste amazing!
Imprimer
Turkey and Spinach Stuffed Shells: 6 Flavorful Secrets
- Temps Total: 50 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Faible En Gras
Description
Turkey and spinach stuffed shells are a delicious and hearty meal, perfect for family dinners.
Ingrédients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook pasta shells according to package instructions, drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, cook ground turkey and garlic over medium heat until browned.
- Add spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted.
- In a bowl, mix turkey, spinach, ricotta, egg, and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Add salt and pepper.
- Stuff each pasta shell with the turkey and spinach mixture.
- Spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Place stuffed shells in the dish and cover with remaining marinara sauce.
- Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
Notes
- Use low-fat cheese for a lighter version.
- Substitute ground turkey with chicken or beef if preferred.
- Great for meal prep and freezing.
- Temps De Préparation: 20 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Course
- Méthode: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 2 stuffed shells
- Calories: 350
- Sucre: 6g
- De Sodium: 600mg
- La graisse: 15g
- Graisses Saturées: 7g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 5g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 35g
- La fibre: 3g
- La protéine: 25g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 70mg
Mots-clés: turkey stuffed shells, spinach stuffed shells, pasta recipes
