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Discover a comforting and nutritious dish that is sure to please the whole family: Savory Turkey & Spinach Stuffed Shells. This hearty recipe combines ground turkey, fresh spinach, and creamy cheeses, all stuffed into tender pasta shells and baked to perfection. Not only is this dish satisfying and flavorful, but it also offers a wholesome twist on traditional stuffed shells by incorporating lean protein and leafy greens. In this article, we’ll walk you through the recipe step-by-step, share tips for perfecting the dish, and explore the nutritional benefits of the ingredients used.

Easy Turkey and Spinach Stuffed Shells

Indulge in a deliciously comforting dish with Savory Turkey & Spinach Stuffed Shells. This recipe combines hearty ground turkey, fresh spinach, and creamy cheeses stuffed into tender pasta shells and baked until bubbling. Not only is it satisfying and flavorful, but it also provides a nutritious twist, making it a perfect choice for family dinners. Follow our step-by-step guide to create a dish that's both impressive and wholesome. Enjoy every bite!

Ingredients
  

20 jumbo pasta shells

1 lb ground turkey

2 cups fresh spinach, finely chopped

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

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

1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking.

    Cook the Pasta Shells: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to the package instructions, aiming for al dente consistency. Drain the shells and gently rinse with cold water to halt the cooking process. Place the shells aside in a single layer to prevent sticking.

      Prepare the Turkey Mixture: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey to the skillet, seasoning with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and optional red pepper flakes. Sauté the turkey for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until it is browned and fully cooked.

        Incorporate Spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the skillet with the turkey. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring until the spinach has wilted. Remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.

          Mix the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked turkey and spinach mixture with the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and all of the Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until everything is well blended.

            Stuff the Shells: Spread half of the marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Carefully stuff each cooked pasta shell with the turkey and spinach filling, placing them seam side up in the dish. Once all shells are filled, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top.

              Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese generously over the stuffed shells, ensuring even coverage for a delicious melted topping.

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

                  Serve: Once out of the oven, let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Optionally, garnish with fresh basil leaves to add a pop of color and flavor. Serve hot and savor the delightful taste of your savory stuffed shells!

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 50 minutes | Serves 4