Turkey and Spinach Stuffed Shells
A delightful dish combining creamy ricotta, savory ground turkey, vibrant spinach, and marinara sauce, perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
For the filling
- 1 lb ground turkey Lean and versatile
- 2 cups fresh spinach Chopped, adds vibrancy and nutrition
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese Creamy texture
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese For topping and filling
- 2 cloves minced garlic For aromatic depth
- 1 tsp dried oregano Enhances flavor
- 1 tbsp olive oil For cooking
- salt and pepper to taste Season generously
For the shells
- 20 pieces jumbo pasta shells Cooked and drained
- 1 jar marinara sauce To coat the shells
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add the ground turkey and break it into crumbles, cooking until browned and cooked through.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until aromatic.
- Add chopped spinach and dried oregano, cooking until the spinach wilts.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Mixing the filling
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked turkey and spinach mixture with ricotta cheese and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Stir until fully incorporated.
- Take each cooked jumbo pasta shell and stuff it with the turkey-spinach mixture.
- Place the stuffed shells in a greased baking dish.
Baking
- Pour marinara sauce generously over the top of the stuffed shells.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the shells.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Serve hot.
Notes
Serve with a garden salad and crusty bread. Common mistakes include overstuffing shells or undercooking pasta. Opt for whole wheat shells or vegetarian substitutes if desired.