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When it comes to satisfying family dinners or gatherings with friends, few dishes can compete with the warmth and comfort of Cheesy Spinach and Turkey Stuffed Shells. This delightful recipe combines the wholesome goodness of ingredients that not only tantalize the taste buds but also offer a myriad of health benefits. As you dig into this cheesy, savory dish, you'll discover it's a perfect blend of flavors and nutrition, making it an ideal choice for any occasion.

Cheesy Spinach and Turkey Stuffed Shells

Savor the comforting flavors of Cheesy Spinach and Turkey Stuffed Shells, the perfect dish for family dinners or gatherings. This recipe features a nutritious blend of lean ground turkey, fresh spinach, and creamy cheeses, all nestled in jumbo pasta shells. It’s easy to prepare and adaptable to various diets, making it a go-to for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in. Dive into this delicious, wholesome meal that combines flavor and nutrition in every bite!
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Ingredients
  

For the Stuffed Shells:

20 jumbo pasta shells

1 pound ground turkey

2 cups fresh spinach, chopped finely

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish

1 large egg

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Tomato Sauce:

2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1 teaspoon olive oil

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

1 teaspoon dried basil

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

    Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the jumbo shells and cook according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Once cooked, drain the shells in a colander and set them aside to cool while you prepare the filling.

      Prepare the Stuffing: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a teaspoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Next, add the ground turkey to the skillet, cooking until it’s browned and cooked through. Be sure to break it apart as it cooks for even browning. If there’s excess fat, drain it from the skillet.

        Incorporate Spinach: Stir in the chopped spinach, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until it is wilted. Once done, remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.

          Combine Filling Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the turkey and spinach mixture with ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan, the egg, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well until all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed.

            Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the marinara sauce with the dried basil and optional red pepper flakes for some heat. Spread 1 cup of this sauce evenly over the bottom of the greased baking dish.

              Stuff the Shells: Take a generous scoop of the turkey and spinach filling and carefully stuff each cooked jumbo shell. Place the filled shells in the baking dish with the opening facing up.

                Top the Shells: Once all the shells are filled, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top of the stuffed shells. Finish by sprinkling the remaining mozzarella cheese and extra Parmesan cheese over everything.

                  Bake: Cover the baking dish securely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After this, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and a light golden brown.

                    Serve: Allow the stuffed shells to cool for about 5 minutes before serving. For a fresh touch, garnish with chopped basil or parsley on top just before serving.

                      Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4-6

                        - Presentation Tips: Arrange individual stuffed shells on plates, drizzling with extra marinara sauce and garnishing with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.