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Discover a delicious and satisfying dish that captures the essence of comfort food: Cheesy Turkey and Spinach Stuffed Shells. This recipe combines tender jumbo pasta shells with a hearty filling of ground turkey, fresh spinach, and an array of creamy cheeses, all enveloped in a rich marinara sauce. Not only is this meal easy to prepare, but it also offers a nutritious twist on traditional stuffed pasta recipes, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. In this article, we'll outline the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and provide insights into the nutritional benefits of this delightful dish.

Cheesy Turkey and Spinach Stuffed Shells

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Cheesy Turkey and Spinach Stuffed Shells. This delightful dish features jumbo pasta shells filled with a savory mixture of ground turkey, fresh spinach, and a trio of creamy cheeses, all topped with rich marinara sauce. Easy to prepare and packed with nutrition, it's perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Explore the recipe to learn about the ingredients, preparation process, and how to elevate your comfort food experience!
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Ingredients
  

20 jumbo pasta shells

1 pound ground turkey

2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, plus extra for topping

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 large egg

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when you're finished preparing the dish.

    Cook the Pasta: Fill a large pot with water, add a good pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to package instructions, until they are al dente (cooked but still firm to the bite). Drain the shells and set them aside on a plate to cool slightly.

      Prepare the Filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground turkey. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it is evenly browned and no longer pink, which should take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s excess fat, drain it off.

        Add Spinach: To the browned turkey, add the chopped spinach. Cook together until the spinach is wilted and reduced, about 2-3 minutes. Once done, remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool for a few minutes.

          Mix Filling Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the turkey and spinach mixture with ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, the egg, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well blended and creamy.

            Fill the Shells: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Using a small spoon, carefully stuff each cooked pasta shell with the turkey and spinach filling. Place the filled shells in a single layer in the baking dish over the sauce.

              Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining marinara sauce generously over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are well covered. Then, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly on top.

                Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, making sure the foil does not touch the cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

                  Garnish and Serve: After baking, remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly. If you like, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy!

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 minutes | 50 minutes | 4-6 servings