Are you looking for a healthy, flavorful, and satisfying dinner that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This turkey and spinach stuffed shells recipe is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. It combines the lean protein of ground turkey with the nutritious goodness of spinach, all nestled in tender pasta shells and bathed in a creamy, cheesy sauce. This recipe is a fantastic example of healthy meals that don't compromise on taste. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious dish – it's one of those best recipes you'll want to keep coming back to!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 24 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta shells.
Preparing the Filling:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the thawed and squeezed spinach, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
Assembling and Baking:
- Cook the pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Fill each pasta shell with the turkey and spinach mixture. Arrange the stuffed shells in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce is heated through.
Serving Suggestions:
Let the stuffed shells rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly and makes them easier to handle. This quick dinner idea pairs perfectly with a side salad for a complete and balanced meal.
Cooking Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor: Use a blend of Italian cheeses like provolone or asiago in addition to the Parmesan and mozzarella.
- Add some spice: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes into the turkey and spinach mixture for a little kick.
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute the ground turkey with 1 cup of cooked lentils or crumbled vegetarian sausage.
- Meal prep friendly: This dish is great for meal prepping. Assemble the stuffed shells ahead of time and bake when ready to eat. You can even freeze the assembled dish before baking for future convenience.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Protein: 25-30g Fat: 15-20g Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This turkey and spinach stuffed shells recipe is a testament to how delicious and easy healthy meals can be. It’s a perfect example of homemade cooking that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Enjoy!