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Cheesy Ground Turkey & Spinach Stuffed Shells


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  • Author: Janet Reynolds
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 5 to 6 servings

Description

Cheesy Ground Turkey & Spinach Stuffed Shells are the ultimate comfort food for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Jumbo pasta shells are filled with a savory mixture of ground turkey, ricotta, mozzarella, and spinach, then baked in marinara sauce until bubbly. A healthier twist on stuffed pasta that’s hearty, satisfying, and family-friendly.


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


Instructions

1. Cook the jumbo pasta shells in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and lay them flat on a baking sheet to cool.

2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.

3. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute, then add spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.

4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked turkey-spinach mixture with ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, ¼ cup Parmesan, egg, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

5. Preheat oven to 375°F. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce over the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.

6. Stuff each cooled shell with about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the filling and place them in the baking dish.

7. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.

8. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden.

9. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Cheese blend can be adjusted with provolone or fontina for a twist.

For extra richness, stir a few tablespoons of cream into the marinara.

To make it ahead, assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3 to 4 stuffed shells
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 34g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg