Introduction
Stuffed pasta shells are a beloved comfort food, known for their versatility and satisfying taste. They are an ideal meal choice for families and busy individuals who crave deliciousness without spending hours in the kitchen. In this article, we’ll focus on Quick Turkey and Spinach Stuffed Shells, a nutritious and flavorful option that combines lean turkey and fresh spinach for a wholesome dish. This recipe is perfect for health-conscious readers looking to incorporate more lean proteins and vegetables into their meals. With a cooking time of under an hour, this straightforward recipe promises an enjoyable cooking experience that results in a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
– 12 jumbo pasta shells
– 1 pound ground turkey
– 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked turkey and spinach mixture with ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
6. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.
7. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the turkey and spinach filling and place them in the baking dish.
8. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
9. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Understanding Stuffed Pasta Shells
Stuffed pasta dishes have a rich history, particularly in Italian cuisine, where they are celebrated for their comforting qualities and impressive presentation. Stuffed shells, specifically, serve as a blank canvas, inviting cooks to unleash their creativity in the kitchen. They can be filled with a variety of ingredients, from meats and vegetables to cheeses and sauces, making them a staple in many households. Their unique shape allows them to hold a generous amount of filling, ensuring a satisfying bite every time.
Ingredient Breakdown
– Jumbo Pasta Shells: These large pasta shapes are perfect for stuffing due to their size and texture, allowing them to cradle fillings without falling apart.
– Ground Turkey: A lean protein option, ground turkey not only adds flavor but also offers health benefits, such as lower fat content compared to traditional ground beef.
– Fresh Spinach: Packed with vitamins and minerals, spinach contributes both nutritional value and vibrant color to the dish, enhancing its appeal.
– Ricotta Cheese: Known for its creamy texture and mild flavor, ricotta is an ideal complement to the other ingredients, providing richness without overwhelming the dish.
– Shredded Mozzarella and Grated Parmesan: These cheeses play a crucial role in enhancing flavor and texture. Mozzarella offers a gooey, melty quality, while Parmesan adds a sharp, savory note.
– Marinara Sauce: Essential for bringing the dish together, marinara sauce adds depth and complements the flavors of the filling, tying all the components into a cohesive meal.
– Seasonings (Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper): These spices elevate the overall flavor profile of the dish, ensuring that each bite is a delightful experience.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Cooking the Pasta: Begin by boiling the jumbo pasta shells in salted water until they are al dente, following the instructions on the package. Be careful not to overcook them, as they will continue to cook in the oven. After draining, set them aside to cool slightly before stuffing.
Cooking Pasta Al Dente
Cooking the pasta al dente is crucial for the perfect texture in your stuffed shells. Al dente means “to the tooth,” which ensures that the pasta retains some firmness when bitten into. To achieve this, cook the shells for 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions recommend. Additionally, to prevent the shells from sticking together, toss them in a little olive oil immediately after draining and spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer.
Preparing the Filling
Cooking Ground Turkey
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and adding a bit of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the ground turkey. It’s important to break it up with a spatula and cook it thoroughly until it’s browned. This browning process not only enhances the flavor but also helps achieve a nice texture in the filling. Season the turkey with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian herbs to infuse it with rich flavors.
Adding Spinach and Cheese
Once the turkey is cooked, add fresh spinach to the skillet. The spinach will wilt down significantly, so don’t worry if it seems like a lot at first. Stir in ricotta cheese and shredded mozzarella, allowing them to melt and blend into the mixture. For a balanced filling, consider adding a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and a dash of nutmeg for an extra layer of flavor.
Filling the Shells
Filling the shells can be tricky, but with a few tips, you can do it without breaking them. Use a teaspoon or a piping bag to fill each shell generously but carefully, ensuring they are well-packed to hold all the delicious flavors. If you find the shells are breaking, it may be helpful to let them cool slightly before handling.
Topping with Sauce and Cheese
Layering is key to achieving a golden, bubbly finish. Start by spreading a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of your baking dish to prevent sticking. After filling the shells, place them seam-side up in the dish and cover them with more marinara sauce. Finish with a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and parmesan cheese, which will melt beautifully in the oven.
Baking the Dish
Cover the baking dish with foil to keep moisture in while baking for the first 20 minutes. This will help the shells heat through without drying out. In the final minutes, remove the foil to allow the cheese to brown and bubble, creating that appealing texture.
Serving Suggestions
To complement your Quick Turkey and Spinach Stuffed Shells, consider serving them alongside a fresh garden salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. Garlic bread is another excellent side that offers a delightful crunch and pairs well with the saucy pasta. Steamed vegetables such as broccoli or green beans can add a healthy touch to your meal.
For an attractive presentation, arrange the stuffed shells in a large serving dish and garnish with fresh basil leaves. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a burst of flavor.
Nutritional Information
This dish is packed with nutritional benefits:
– Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories, depending on portion size.
– Macronutrient breakdown: Each serving typically contains around 25 grams of protein, 40 grams of carbohydrates, and 15 grams of fat.
– Vitamins and minerals: The spinach contributes essential vitamins A, C, and K, as well as important minerals like iron and calcium.
Conclusion
Quick Turkey and Spinach Stuffed Shells are an easy, wholesome meal that the entire family can enjoy. Not only do they come together quickly, but they are also loaded with nutritional benefits, making them a great choice for busy weeknights. Feel free to experiment with variations by adding different vegetables or using various types of cheese to tailor the dish to your family’s tastes. Embrace your culinary creativity and enjoy the satisfaction of preparing a delicious meal!
