Description
These High Protein Stuffed Shells are a hearty, comforting dish packed with lean ground turkey, three types of cheese, and spinach. Baked in rich marinara sauce, this protein-packed pasta recipe is perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
▢ 1 tbsp olive oil
▢ 1 lb ground turkey
▢ 1 jar (about 24 oz) marinara sauce
▢ 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
▢ Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Shells & Filling:
▢ 20 jumbo pasta shells
▢ 15 oz ricotta cheese
▢ 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (plus more for topping)
▢ 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
▢ 1 large egg
▢ 2 cups chopped spinach
▢ 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
▢ 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
▢ 3/4 tsp sea salt
▢ Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Preheat Oven & Cook Pasta:
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Cook jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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Make the Meat Sauce:
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
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Add ground turkey and cook until browned.
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Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and marinara sauce. Simmer for 10 minutes.
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Spread sauce evenly in the bottom of a large oven-safe baking dish.
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Prepare the Cheese Filling:
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In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, parmesan, mozzarella, egg, chopped spinach, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, sea salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
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Stuff the Shells:
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Fill each cooked shell with about 1 tablespoon of the cheese mixture.
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Place shells on top of the meat sauce in the baking dish.
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Sprinkle with additional mozzarella or parmesan if desired.
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Bake:
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Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, until heated through and cheese is melted.
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Notes
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Swap ground turkey for lean ground beef or chicken.
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Use whole wheat shells for extra fiber.
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Great for meal prep — store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze.
