Turkey Stuffed Shells Recipe

Introduction

Turkey stuffed shells make a comforting and hearty meal that’s perfect for using up leftover cooked turkey. This simple dish combines tender pasta shells filled with savory turkey and creamy cheeses, all baked in a rich marinara sauce.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or chopped
• 20 large pasta shells
• 1½ cups ricotta cheese
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups marinara sauce

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and let cool slightly.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine the cooked turkey with ricotta cheese and about half of the mozzarella. Fill each pasta shell with this mixture.
3. Step 3: Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells in the dish and cover them with the remaining marinara sauce. Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese on top.
4. Step 4: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden.
5. Step 5: Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley to the cheese mixture.
• Substitute ground turkey if you don’t have cooked turkey on hand.
• Try mixing some spinach into the ricotta for added color and nutrition.
• Use homemade marinara sauce for a fresher taste or your favorite store-bought brand for convenience.

Storage

Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make turkey stuffed shells ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish a day ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake just before serving for the best results.

Can I freeze turkey stuffed shells?

Absolutely! Place the assembled dish in a freezer-safe container before baking. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

Turkey Stuffed Shells Recipe

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Turkey Stuffed Shells are a comforting Italian-American baked pasta dish featuring large pasta shells filled with a savory mixture of cooked turkey and creamy ricotta cheese, topped with rich marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. This hearty meal is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion, combining protein-packed turkey with cheesy, saucy goodness baked to bubbly perfection.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Stuffed Shell Ingredients

• 12 oz cooked turkey, shredded or chopped
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 8 oz cooked pasta shells (jumbo)

Topping Ingredients

• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pasta Shells: Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and let them cool slightly to handle.
2. Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked turkey and ricotta cheese until fully incorporated, ensuring an even distribution of cheese and meat.
3. Stuff the Shells: Carefully fill each cooked pasta shell with the turkey and ricotta mixture, making sure to fill them generously but not overstuff.
4. Assemble in Baking Dish: Spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer over the sauce.
5. Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
6. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly and enhance flavor melding.

Notes

• Use leftover turkey or rotisserie chicken as a convenient shortcut for the turkey filling.
• For extra flavor, add grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh herbs like parsley to the filling.
• Ensure the pasta shells are drained well to prevent watery sauce in the baking dish.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
• To make it vegetarian, substitute the turkey with cooked spinach or mushrooms.

Keywords: Turkey stuffed shells, baked pasta shells, ricotta and turkey pasta, comfort food, Italian pasta bake