Description
Jumbo pasta shells filled with creamy ricotta, spinach, and mozzarella, nestled in a savory meat sauce, and baked to perfection. This classic Italian-inspired dish is hearty, delicious, and perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to special celebrations.
Ingredients
For the Pasta Shells:
- 27 jumbo pasta shells (9 ounces)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 lb lean ground turkey (or 99% or 93% lean)
- 1 (32 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheese Filling:
- 2 cups part-skim ricotta cheese
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 16 oz frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed to remove excess water
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh basil
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells until al dente, according to package instructions.
- Drain the shells, toss with olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside to cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce
- Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, fresh basil, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover and let simmer on low heat for 15 minutes.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, and thawed spinach.
- Mix until well combined.
Step 4: Stuff the Pasta Shells
- Spoon about 2 heaping tablespoons of the cheese filling into each cooked shell.
- Spread a layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a large baking dish.
- Arrange the stuffed shells seam-side up over the sauce.
Step 5: Bake the Dish
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Spoon half of the remaining meat sauce over the shells.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to lightly crisp the top.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish the baked shells with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve warm with additional meat sauce, crusty bread, or a fresh green salad.
Notes
- Boil pasta shells until al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking.
- Thoroughly drain and squeeze the spinach to avoid a watery filling.
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian