Cheesy Spinach Turkey Stuffed Shells

Certainly! Let’s dive into the details of the Spinach and Turkey Stuffed Shells recipe:

Spinach and Turkey Stuffed Shells

Overview

• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Recipe Category: Pasta Shells
• Keywords: Cheese, European, < 60 Mins, Oven
• Rating: 5 stars
• Review Count: 10 reviews

Ingredients

• Frozen Chopped Spinach: 1 package (approximately 10 ounces), cooked and drained
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Ground Turkey: 1 1/2 pounds, browned
• Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup, chopped
• Eggs: 2, beaten
• Cheese: 2 cups (e.g., ricotta, mozzarella, or a blend)
• Jumbo Pasta Shells: 3/4 pound (approximately 30 shells)

Nutrition Information (per serving, based on 9 servings)

• Calories: 426.9
• Total Fat: 16.4g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 109.7mg
• Sodium: 629.2mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 45.1g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2.9g
  • Sugar: 8.6g
• Protein: 24.2g

Instructions

1. Prepare Spinach: Cook the frozen chopped spinach according to package directions. Drain and squeeze out excess moisture.

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2. Brown Turkey: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and brown the ground turkey until cooked through. Set aside.

3. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12×8-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.

4. Prepare Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked spinach, chopped fresh parsley, beaten eggs, minced garlic, and cheese. Mix well until thoroughly combined. Add the cooked ground turkey and mix again.

5. Stuff Shells: Spoon the filling mixture into the cooked jumbo pasta shells, ensuring each shell is generously filled.

6. Assemble: Spread 1 cup of your favorite pasta sauce (homemade or store-bought) on the bottom of the greased baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells over the sauce in a single layer.

7. Cover and Bake: Pour the remaining sauce over the stuffed shells. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.

8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the shells are heated through and the sauce is bubbly.

9. Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with additional chopped parsley or grated cheese if desired.

Tips and Variations

• Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses like ricotta, mozzarella, or a blend of Italian cheeses to suit your taste preferences.
• Meat Variations: Instead of ground turkey, you can use ground beef, veal, or pork for a different flavor profile.
• Make Ahead: This dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake. Just increase baking time slightly if baking from chilled.
• Freezing: Stuffed shells can also be frozen after assembling but before baking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Spinach and Turkey Stuffed Shells with a side salad dressed with vinaigrette or garlic bread for a complete meal. The creamy filling and savory turkey make it a comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings. Enjoy!

This recipe combines the richness of cheese with the wholesome flavors of spinach and turkey, making it a delicious and satisfying meal option.