Introduction
Transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into a gourmet dish with these Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells. This recipe takes tender turkey, creamy ricotta, and a savory tomato or Alfredo sauce, all stuffed inside jumbo pasta shells and baked to perfection. It’s the ultimate way to repurpose holiday leftovers into a comforting, cheesy, and satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Great Use of Leftovers: Turns extra turkey into a brand-new meal.
- Creamy & Cheesy: A rich and satisfying flavor profile.
- Easy to Prepare: Simple steps for a gourmet-style dish.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make ahead and store for later meals.
Origin of the Dish
Stuffed shells originate from Italian cuisine, where pasta shells (conchiglioni) are filled with cheese, meat, or vegetables and baked in sauce. This variation blends the classic Italian method with American Thanksgiving flavors, making it a delightful post-holiday dish.
Ingredients
- 12-16 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (plus extra for topping)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups marinara or Alfredo sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Method of Preparation
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain, drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- In a large bowl, mix shredded turkey, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir well until fully combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Dish
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread 1 cup of marinara or Alfredo sauce at the bottom of a baking dish.
- Stuff each pasta shell with the turkey and cheese mixture and arrange them in the dish.
- Pour the remaining sauce over the shells and sprinkle extra mozzarella on top.
Step 4: Bake & Serve
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve hot.
Cooking Tips
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Slightly undercook the shells to prevent them from falling apart while baking.
- Use a Piping Bag: For easier stuffing, transfer the filling into a zip-lock bag, cut the tip, and squeeze into shells.
- Cover While Baking: Prevents drying out; uncover in the last 10 minutes for a golden cheese topping.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Draining the Pasta Properly: Excess water makes the dish watery.
- Skipping the Egg in Filling: The egg binds the cheese and turkey, preventing a runny filling.
- Using Too Much Sauce: Overloading with sauce can make the shells soggy.
Serving Tips
- Serve with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
- Pair with a glass of white wine or a light cranberry spritzer.
- Top with red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Health Benefits of Ingredients
- Turkey: High in lean protein and essential nutrients like B vitamins.
- Ricotta Cheese: Good source of calcium and protein.
- Tomato Sauce (if using): Rich in antioxidants like lycopene.
- Olive Oil: Contains heart-healthy fats and anti-inflammatory properties.
Interesting Facts
- Stuffed shells are known as “conchiglioni” in Italy, meaning “giant shells.”
- Leftover turkey can last 3-4 days in the refrigerator, making this recipe a great next-day meal.
- Alfredo sauce, another great pairing for this dish, originated in Rome in the early 1900s.
Summarized Recipe
Ingredients:
- Jumbo pasta shells, cooked turkey, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, seasonings, marinara or Alfredo sauce.
Steps:
- Cook pasta shells al dente.
- Mix turkey, cheeses, egg, and seasonings.
- Stuff shells and arrange in a baking dish with sauce.
- Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes, covering for the first 20 minutes.
- Garnish and serve warm.
Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells are a perfect way to repurpose holiday leftovers into a delicious, cheesy, and comforting meal that everyone will love!
