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Healthy Ground Turkey and Spinach Stuffed Shells

This comforting dish features jumbo pasta shells filled with a savory mixture of ground turkey, spinach, and cheeses, all baked with marinara sauce for a hearty family meal.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

Shells and Filling
  • 12 pieces jumbo pasta shells
  • 1 pound ground turkey Use dark meat for more flavor and moisture.
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese Can substitute with cottage cheese.
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste Enhances the flavors.
Sauce
  • 1 cup marinara sauce Use homemade for a fresher taste.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned, about 6-8 minutes.
  3. Stir in the chopped spinach, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the spinach wilts, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine the turkey and spinach mixture with the ricotta cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix well to combine.
Assembly and Baking
  1. Carefully stuff each cooked pasta shell with the turkey-spinach mixture.
  2. Spread a layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Place the stuffed shells on top, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells, and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  3. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Serving
  1. Once baked, let the dish cool for a few moments before serving. Enjoy your meal while it's warm.

Notes

Can be served with a side salad or garlic bread. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.