Creamy Turkey Stuffed Pasta Shells Recipe
Introduction
Turkey Stuffed Shells make a comforting and hearty meal that’s perfect for family dinners. Filled with savory ground turkey and cheese, this dish combines creamy textures with flavorful pasta shells baked to perfection.
Ingredients
- 12 large pasta shells
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (mozzarella or your choice)
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and let cool slightly.
- Step 2: In a skillet, brown the ground turkey until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Step 3: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 4: Stuff each shell with the cooked turkey and a sprinkle of cheese.
- Step 5: Arrange the stuffed shells in a baking dish and top with the remaining cheese.
- Step 6: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Variations
- Mix some herbs like basil or oregano into the turkey for added flavor.
- Use ricotta or cottage cheese along with shredded cheese for a creamier filling.
- Add marinara sauce to the baking dish before placing the shells for a saucier dish.
- Substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or beef if preferred.
Storage
Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions until hot.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare the stuffed shells ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells in advance and refrigerate them covered for up to 24 hours before baking.
Do I need to pre-cook the turkey before stuffing the shells?
Yes, cooking the turkey before stuffing ensures it’s fully cooked and helps prevent excess liquid in the shells while baking.
PrintCreamy Turkey Stuffed Pasta Shells Recipe
Delicious and hearty Turkey Stuffed Shells, featuring large pasta shells filled with a savory turkey and cheese mixture, baked to perfection for a comforting family meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Ingredients
Pasta
- 24 large pasta shells
Stuffing
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 3 cups marinara sauce
Instructions
- Cook the pasta shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook them until al dente according to package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the turkey filling: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground turkey until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat. Let it cool slightly.
- Mix the cheese filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked turkey, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to create a uniform filling.
- Stuff the shells: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of a baking dish. Carefully fill each pasta shell with the turkey and cheese mixture and arrange them in the baking dish.
- Add sauce and bake: Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until heated through and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, then serve warm. Optionally, garnish with fresh basil or extra Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- You can prepare the filling a day ahead and assemble the shells just before baking to save time.
- If you prefer, substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean beef.
- For a vegetarian option, replace the turkey with sautéed spinach or mushrooms.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
Keywords: turkey stuffed shells, baked pasta shells, ground turkey recipe, Italian stuffed shells, cheesy stuffed pasta
