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Recipe by:

Sara Crocker

Turkey and Spinach Stuffed Shells for Cozy Dinners

This turkey and spinach stuffed shells recipe combines savory filling and marinara for a hearty and comforting dish that's perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy dinners.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Group: Pasta and Filling
  • 1 lb. ground turkey
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp. minced garlic
  • 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp. red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Group: For the Assembly
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • Baking dish 9x13 inch
  • Foil

Method
 

  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully drop the jumbo shells into the pot and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil and the minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute, then add the ground turkey and cook until browned. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Take off the heat, then add the ricotta, half of the mozzarella, and the Parmesan cheese along with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
  3. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take each cooked shell and spoon a generous amount of filling into it. Place the filled shells in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, opening side up.
  4. Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the top. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
  5. Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired, before serving.

Notes

Make these stuffed shells ahead of time for easy meal planning. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for 2 months.