Print

High Protein Stuffed Shells: A Delicious and Nutritious Meal for Any Occasion

High Protein Stuffed Shells
Print Recipe

There’s something so comforting about stuffed shells—they remind me of Sunday dinners with family, where laughter filled the kitchen and the aroma of bubbling marinara made our mouths water. This version is packed with protein and nutrients, making it a deliciously satisfying meal for any night of the week! Try it, and let me know how it turns out!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 20 jumbo pasta shells
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (plus extra for sprinkling)
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
  • 3/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • Pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Pasta

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.

Step 2: Cook the Turkey Sauce

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.
  3. Stir in 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  4. Pour in the marinara sauce, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
  5. Spread the turkey sauce evenly in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Filling

  1. In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, egg, chopped spinach, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, sea salt, and pepper. Mix well until fully combined.

Step 4: Stuff the Shells

  1. Carefully stuff each cooked pasta shell with about 1 tablespoon of the cheese mixture.
  2. Place the stuffed shells on top of the turkey sauce in the baking dish.
  3. Sprinkle extra mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the top of the shells.

Step 5: Bake

  1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Notes

  • Make it vegetarian: Swap the ground turkey for sautéed mushrooms or plant-based ground meat.
  • Add more veggies: Try adding diced zucchini, bell peppers, or kale to the cheese filling.
  • Meal prep friendly: This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Spice it up: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicier kick.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipes.swedishinarabic.net/high-protein-stuffed-shells-a-delicious-and-nutritious-meal-for-any-occasion/