Savory Turkey and Artichoke Stuffed Pasta Shells
Delight your family and friends with these Savory Turkey and Artichoke Stuffed Pasta Shells. This dish combines tender, large pasta shells filled with a creamy and flavorful mixture of ground turkey, artichokes, and ricotta cheese, enriched with Parmesan and fresh herbs. Bathed in a rich marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella cheese, these stuffed shells create a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners. Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete dining experience.
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Large pasta shells
24 (Cook according to package directions.)
Extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons (For sautéing.)
Yellow onion
1/2 (Chopped.)
Garlic cloves
3 (Minced.)
Ground turkey
1 lb (Preferably dark meat.)
Salt & fresh ground pepper
To taste (For seasoning.)
Frozen artichokes
1 (8 ounce) package (Thawed and coarsely chopped.)
Whole milk ricotta cheese
1 (15 ounce) carton (For filling.)
Parmesan cheese
3/4 cup (Grated.)
Eggs
2 (Lightly beaten.)
Fresh basil
1/4 cup (Chopped.)
Fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 tablespoons (Chopped.)
Marinara sauce
5 cups (For layering and drizzling.)
Mozzarella cheese
1 1/2 cups (Grated.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3
While the shells cook, heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until it becomes tender and begins to brown.
4
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
5
Add the ground turkey, seasoning with salt and fresh pepper, and cook until the meat is lightly golden and cooked through, stirring occasionally.
6
Incorporate the thawed and coarsely chopped artichokes into the turkey mixture, stirring until well combined. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
7
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled turkey-artichoke mixture with ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, beaten eggs, chopped basil, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and mix until thoroughly combined.
8
Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
9
Take each pasta shell in your hand and fill it generously with about 2 tablespoons of the turkey filling. Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer in the baking dish.
10
Once all shells are filled and arranged, drizzle the remaining marinara sauce over the shells and sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese on top.
11
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
12
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
14g
Fat
31g
Carbs
16g
Protein
2g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary protein source for these stuffed shells?
The primary protein source in this recipe is 1 lb of ground turkey, preferably dark meat for better flavor.
How many pasta shells do I need for this recipe?
You will need 24 large pasta shells, cooked according to package directions until al dente.
What type of artichokes are recommended?
The recipe calls for one 8-ounce package of frozen artichokes that have been thawed and coarsely chopped.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the dish.
What kind of cheeses are used in the filling?
The filling uses a combination of whole milk ricotta cheese and 3/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
How much marinara sauce is needed in total?
The recipe requires 5 cups of marinara sauce, used for both layering the bottom of the dish and drizzling over the shells.
Why are eggs included in the stuffing mixture?
Two lightly beaten eggs are added to the filling to help bind the turkey, ricotta, and cheese mixture together during baking.
How long should the dish bake in total?
The dish bakes for a total of 25 to 30 minutes: 20 minutes covered with foil and an additional 5-10 minutes uncovered.
What are the nutritional values for one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories, 14g of fat, 31g of carbohydrates, and 16g of protein.
Can I use fresh herbs in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1/4 cup of fresh chopped basil and 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped flat-leaf parsley.
Is it necessary to cook the turkey before stuffing the shells?
Yes, the ground turkey should be sautéed with onions and garlic until lightly golden and cooked through before being mixed with the cheeses.
How much mozzarella cheese is used for the topping?
Use 1 1/2 cups of grated mozzarella cheese to sprinkle over the shells before baking.
What size baking dish is required?
A 9x13-inch baking dish is recommended to fit the 24 stuffed shells in a single layer.
How much marinara sauce goes on the bottom of the pan?
Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of the baking dish before adding the shells.
Should the pasta shells be fully cooked before stuffing?
The shells should be cooked 'al dente' so they are tender but still firm enough to hold the filling without falling apart.
What is the fiber content of this dish?
Each serving provides about 2g of dietary fiber.
How many garlic cloves are in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 minced garlic cloves to be sautéed with the onions.
What type of oil is used for sautéing the vegetables?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
What can I serve as a side dish?
This dish pairs perfectly with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete dining experience.
Can I use yellow onion for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 1/2 of a chopped yellow onion.
How much filling goes into each shell?
Each pasta shell should be filled generously with about 2 tablespoons of the turkey and artichoke mixture.
Do I need to let the turkey mixture cool before adding the cheese?
Yes, let the turkey and artichoke mixture cool slightly before mixing it with the ricotta and eggs.
What gives the dish its 'savory' profile?
The combination of ground turkey, artichokes, Parmesan, garlic, and fresh herbs creates its savory flavor.
How do I know when the cheese is done baking?
The cheese should be bubbly and lightly browned after the final 5-10 minutes of uncovered baking.
Is this recipe suitable for weeknight dinners?
Yes, it is a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for both weeknight dinners and special gatherings.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 14 total ingredients listed in the recipe.
Can I use dark meat turkey?
Yes, the recipe suggests using ground turkey, preferably dark meat, for extra flavor.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include pasta, turkey, artichoke, stuffed shells, italian, comfort food, baked dish, and casserole.
Should I season the meat while cooking?
Yes, season the ground turkey with salt and fresh pepper while cooking it in the skillet.
Is the mozzarella cheese grated or sliced?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of grated mozzarella cheese.