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Turkey Stuffed Shells Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 140 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://dylangranv.com/turkey-stuffed-shells-recipe/