Creamy Spinach and Turkey-Stuffed Jumbo Shells
Indulge in these delectable jumbo pasta shells stuffed to perfection with a savory blend of ground turkey, fresh spinach, and aromatic herbs. This dish is not only comforting but also versatile, allowing you to choose your favorite meat such as ground beef, veal, or pork. Baked in a rich and tangy spaghetti sauce, each bite will deliver a burst of flavor that's sure to please the whole family. Perfect for a hearty dinner or meal prep, these stuffed shells are not just filling but also nutritious, making them a great addition to your weeknight meals!
9
Servings
393
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen chopped spinach
10 ounces (cooked according to package directions, drained, and excess moisture squeezed out)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (for browning the turkey)
Crushed garlic
2 teaspoons (fresh or jarred)
Ground turkey
1.5 pounds (browned in a skillet)
Fresh parsley
1 cup (chopped)
Crackers or breadcrumbs
1 cup (your choice, for binding the mixture)
Eggs
2 (beaten)
Grated cheese
3 tablespoons (for added flavor)
Jumbo pasta shells
12-ounce package (cooked and drained)
Favorite spaghetti sauce
3 cups (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the frozen spinach according to package directions. Once cooked, drain the spinach and squeeze out any excess moisture to ensure your filling isn't watery.
2
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the crushed garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
3
Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook until browned and fully cooked through, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Once cooked, remove from heat.
4
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 12x8-inch baking dish.
5
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach, chopped parsley, crackers (or breadcrumbs), beaten eggs, sautéed garlic turkey mixture, and grated cheese. Mix everything until well combined.
6
Carefully fill each cooked jumbo shell with the spinach and turkey mixture, using a spoon or your hands to pack it in firmly.
7
Spread 1 cup of spaghetti sauce evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
8
Place the stuffed shells in a single layer in the dish. Pour the remaining spaghetti sauce over the shells, covering them completely.
9
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.
10
Once done, remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and enjoy your delicious creamy spinach and turkey-stuffed jumbo shells!
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
48g
Carbs
21g
Protein
4g
Fiber
2g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in the Creamy Spinach and Turkey-Stuffed Jumbo Shells?
The main protein used in this recipe is 1.5 pounds of ground turkey.
Can I substitute the ground turkey with other meats?
Yes, you can easily substitute the turkey with ground beef, veal, or pork based on your preference.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 9 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 393 calories.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How long should the stuffed shells bake?
The shells should bake for 35-40 minutes or until heated through and bubbly.
Do I need to cook the spinach before adding it to the filling?
Yes, cook the frozen spinach according to package directions, then drain and squeeze out all excess moisture.
What type of pasta is required for this dish?
You will need one 12-ounce package of jumbo pasta shells, cooked and drained.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A 12x8-inch baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
Should the baking dish be covered during cooking?
Yes, cover the baking dish with foil before placing it in the oven.
What ingredients are used as binders for the filling?
The filling is bound together using 2 beaten eggs and 1 cup of crackers or breadcrumbs.
How much spaghetti sauce is needed in total?
The recipe requires 3 cups of your favorite spaghetti sauce.
How much sauce goes on the bottom of the pan?
Spread 1 cup of the spaghetti sauce evenly across the bottom of the dish before adding the shells.
Is fresh parsley used in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1 cup of chopped fresh parsley.
Can I use breadcrumbs instead of crackers?
Yes, you can use either 1 cup of crackers or 1 cup of breadcrumbs for the filling.
How much garlic should I add?
Use 2 teaspoons of crushed garlic, which can be fresh or from a jar.
What amount of cheese is added to the mixture?
The recipe includes 3 tablespoons of grated cheese for added flavor.
How much frozen spinach is needed?
You will need one 10-ounce package of frozen chopped spinach.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 48g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in one serving?
Each serving provides 21g of protein.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, these stuffed shells are hearty and filling, making them excellent for meal prep.
What is the fat content per serving?
There is 15g of fat per serving.
How much fiber is in this dish?
Each serving contains 4g of dietary fiber.
Is there sugar in this recipe?
There is a small amount of sugar, approximately 2g per serving.
How much olive oil is used for browning?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of olive oil to sauté the garlic and brown the turkey.
What are the primary flavor profiles of this dish?
The dish is described as comforting, savory, and aromatic with a rich and tangy sauce.
Can I use homemade spaghetti sauce?
Yes, you can use either store-bought or your own homemade spaghetti sauce.
How do I ensure the filling isn't watery?
Make sure to squeeze out all excess moisture from the cooked spinach before mixing it with the other ingredients.
How should the shells be arranged in the baking dish?
Place the stuffed shells in a single layer in the baking dish before covering them with the remaining sauce.
What should I do after removing the dish from the oven?
Once done, let the shells cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors and texture to set.