Turkey and Spinach Stuffed Shells
A comforting dish of jumbo pasta shells filled with a savory mixture of ground turkey, spinach, and creamy ricotta, all embraced by marinara sauce and topped with mozzarella.
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 1 lb ground turkey Lean protein that adds heartiness.
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped Adds nutrition and color.
- 1.5 cups ricotta cheese Provides a rich texture.
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Melts beautifully for a creamy topping.
- 20 pieces jumbo pasta shells, cooked and drained Designed for filling.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Enhances flavor.
- 1 tbsp olive oil For sautéing.
- 1 tsp dried oregano Adds earthy flavor.
- Salt and pepper, to taste Essential seasonings.
For the Sauce
- 1 jar marinara sauce Infuses rich flavors.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey, garlic, and chopped spinach, cooking until the turkey browns and the spinach wilts.
- Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and oregano.
- In a separate bowl, mix the cooked turkey and spinach mixture with ricotta cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella.
- Stuff the cooked pasta shells with the turkey-spinach mixture and arrange them in a baking dish.
Baking
- Pour the marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until golden.
- Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For a lighter alternative, substitute the ground turkey with ground chicken or a plant-based protein. Use gluten-free pasta shells for a gluten-free variation.