Name: Cheesy Ground Turkey & Spinach Stuffed Shells
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 20 jumbo pasta shells; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound ground turkey; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups baby spinach; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs; 3 cups marinara sauce; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Creamy, savory, and irresistibly cheesy, these Ground Turkey & Spinach Stuffed Shells are the kind of comfort food that hits all the right notes. Large pasta shells are generously filled with a flavorful blend of lean ground turkey, wilted spinach, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella. Then they’re nestled in a tangy marinara sauce and baked until bubbling and golden. Whether you’re feeding the family or prepping a weeknight meal, this dish is as satisfying as it is simple to make.

What makes this recipe shine is how it balances rich indulgence with light, wholesome ingredients. The lean protein from turkey and nutrient-packed spinach create a filling that’s both hearty and nourishing. Every bite delivers melty cheese, aromatic herbs, and the cozy flavors of a slow-simmered Italian dinner — but without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Ground Turkey & Spinach Stuffed Shells Recipe

This recipe checks off all the boxes for a winning dinner: it’s easy to assemble, makes enough for leftovers, and has that melty, saucy goodness everyone craves. It freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep, and can be made ahead for busy weeknights. The turkey and spinach combo adds a lighter twist to a traditionally rich dish, making it feel satisfying without being overly heavy.

Can I Use a Different Kind of Pasta Instead of Shells?

While jumbo shells are ideal for stuffing, you can definitely play around. Manicotti tubes or even lasagna noodles rolled up with filling will work well. Just make sure whatever pasta you choose is sturdy enough to hold the hearty turkey-spinach-cheese mixture without falling apart during baking.

Ingredients for the Cheesy Ground Turkey & Spinach Stuffed Shells

The ingredients in this dish each serve a purpose, bringing both flavor and structure to each bite. Let’s take a look at the key players:

Jumbo pasta shells
Ground turkey
Olive oil
Garlic
Baby spinach
Ricotta cheese
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Parmesan cheese
Egg
Dried Italian herbs
Marinara sauce
Salt and pepper

These ingredients work together to create a balance of creamy, savory, and herby flavors, with melty cheeses binding it all together beautifully.

How To Make the Cheesy Ground Turkey & Spinach Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Boil the Shells

Cook the jumbo shells in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and lay them on a baking sheet to cool so they don’t stick together.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook the ground turkey until browned. Add garlic and stir in the spinach until wilted. Let cool slightly, then mix in ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and Italian herbs. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Fill the Shells

Use a spoon to carefully stuff each shell with the cheesy turkey and spinach mixture.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

Spread marinara sauce across the bottom of a baking dish. Nestle the filled shells into the sauce in a single layer. Top with more marinara and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly

Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.

Serving and Storing Cheesy Ground Turkey & Spinach Stuffed Shells

This recipe makes about 20 stuffed shells, enough to serve 5 to 6 people. It’s an ideal choice for a casual dinner or even a cozy dinner party. Serve it straight from the oven with a side salad and garlic bread for the full Italian experience.

Leftovers store beautifully. Simply transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To freeze, assemble the dish but hold off on baking. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for about 45 minutes, covered, then uncover to finish.

What to Serve With Cheesy Ground Turkey & Spinach Stuffed Shells?

Garlic Bread with Herbed Butter

You can’t go wrong with crusty garlic bread slathered in a rich, herby butter. It soaks up all that saucy goodness.

Simple Arugula Salad

A peppery arugula salad tossed with lemon juice and olive oil adds a bright, crisp contrast to the creamy shells.

Roasted Broccoli

Roasted until the edges are charred and crispy, broccoli makes a fantastic, nutrient-rich side dish.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Pairing this pasta with a warm bowl of creamy soup enhances the comfort-food factor tenfold.

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Their deep, slightly sweet tanginess balances out the richness of the cheese and turkey.

Crispy Eggplant Slices

Lightly breaded and baked, eggplant adds a satisfying crunch and a Mediterranean twist.

Caesar Salad

The bold dressing and crunchy croutons of a Caesar salad contrast perfectly with the soft, cheesy shells.

Zucchini Fritters

Golden on the outside and tender inside, zucchini fritters bring a light, savory bite that complements the main dish.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you loved these cheesy shells, there are more comforting meals where that came from:

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go all in on the cheese or add some chili flakes for heat? Did the kids love it? I’d love to hear your twist!

Explore beautifully curated pasta dinners and healthy meal ideas on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your next favorite comfort dish: Janet Dishes on Pinterest.

Conclusion

Cheesy Ground Turkey & Spinach Stuffed Shells are everything you want in a hearty pasta bake: comforting, rich without being heavy, and easy enough for any home cook to master. With just a few wholesome ingredients, you can bring a delicious, family-friendly dinner to the table that everyone will rave about. Whether it’s a weeknight or a weekend gathering, this dish brings big Italian flavor with very little fuss.