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Discover a delightful and nutritious meal with our Spinach Delight Turkey Shells recipe. This dish combines the heartiness of ground turkey with the vibrant flavors of fresh spinach, ricotta, and mozzarella, all enveloped in tender pasta shells. Perfect for family dinners or meal prepping, this recipe not only satisfies your taste buds but also brings a wealth of nutrients to your table. Let’s dive into the details of this delicious dish, including its ingredients, preparation, and baking process.

Classic Turkey and Spinach Stuffed Shells

Elevate your dinner with our Spinach Delight Turkey Shells recipe, a delicious balance of flavor and nutrition. Featuring ground turkey, fresh spinach, and a blend of creamy cheeses stuffed into tender pasta shells, this dish is perfect for family meals or meal prep. Easy to follow, the recipe guides you from prep to baking, ensuring every bite is packed with wholesome goodness. Enjoy a satisfying meal that’s as comforting as it is nutritious!
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Ingredients
  

Large pasta shells - 12-16 shells

Ground turkey - 1 pound

Fresh spinach - 4 cups (washed and chopped)

Ricotta cheese - 15 ounces

Moisture-retaining mozzarella cheese - 1 ½ cups (shredded)

Parmesan cheese - ½ cup (grated)

Garlic - 3 cloves (minced)

Onion - 1 medium (finely chopped)

Egg - 1 large (beaten)

Italian seasoning - 1 teaspoon

Salt - to taste

Black pepper - to taste

Marinara sauce - 3 cups (divided)

Olive oil - 1 tablespoon

Fresh basil - for garnish (optional)

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Instructions
 

Prepare the pasta shells:

    - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the large pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.

      Cook the filling:

        - In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

          - Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks (about 6-8 minutes). Drain any excess fat.

            Add spinach and seasoning:

              - Once the turkey is cooked, stir in the chopped spinach, cooking just until wilted. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.

                Combine the filling ingredients:

                  - In a large mixing bowl, combine the turkey and spinach mixture, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.

                    Stuff the shells:

                      - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Use a spoon to fill each cooked shell with the turkey and spinach mixture and line them up in the prepared dish.

                        Top with sauce and cheese:

                          - Once all shells are filled, pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.

                            Bake:

                              - Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

                                Serve and enjoy:

                                  - Let the stuffed shells cool for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh basil, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your deliciously cheesy meal!

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                                      Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4-6