The Coziest Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells Recipe

Stuffing leftover Thanksgiving turkey into pasta shells creates a delightful twist on post-holiday dining.

Creamy cheese and tender meat blend perfectly inside each delicate shell.

Pasta enthusiasts will adore this innovative approach to repurposing classic roasted poultry.

Comfort meets creativity in this simple yet satisfying recipe.

Weeknight meals can become extraordinary with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Home cooks can easily transform standard ingredients into something spectacular.

Dive into this delectable dish that promises to reinvent your turkey leftovers.

Ingredients for Turkey Stuffed Shells from Thanksgiving Leftovers

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: Large pasta shells that hold the delicious turkey mixture perfectly.
• Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey: Tender, flavorful meat from the holiday feast, chopped and repurposed.
• Warm Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes that add richness and help bind the filling together.

• Gravy: Savory sauce that adds moisture and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
• Stuffing: Classic Thanksgiving side that provides extra texture and traditional taste.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melty cheese that creates a golden, bubbly topping.

• Onion, Celery, Garlic: Aromatics that add depth and complexity to the turkey filling.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
• Parsley, Chives, Green Onions: Fresh herbs that provide a bright, fresh garnish.

Instructions for Assembling Turkey Stuffed Pasta Shells

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up your oven to 350°F and lightly coat a 1½ quart baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook Pasta Shells

Boil jumbo pasta shells in salted water for 8-9 minutes until they reach a perfect al dente texture.

Carefully drain and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Create Tasty Filling

• Chopped leftover turkey
• Warm mashed potatoes
• Finely diced onion
• Diced celery
• Minced garlic
• Half of the shredded cheddar cheese

Season the mixture with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.

Step 4: Build the Base

Spread a generous layer of gravy across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a flavorful foundation for the shells.

Step 5: Stuff the Shells

Carefully fill each cooked pasta shell with the turkey and potato mixture.

Arrange the stuffed shells neatly in the baking dish, nestling them close together.

Step 6: Add Final Touches

• Remaining gravy
• Leftover stuffing
• Remaining shredded cheddar cheese

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Look for a bubbly, golden-brown cheese topping and ensure the filling is heated completely through.

Step 7: Serve with Flair

For a pop of color and fresh flavor, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley, chives, or green onions over the top.

Bring the dish to the table piping hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement.

Helpful Stuffed Shell Tips for Creamy Results

• Cook shells just until al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy when baked, ensuring a perfect texture.
• Use warm mashed potatoes as a binding agent to help the turkey mixture hold together inside the shells.
• Add a splash of chicken broth or white wine to the filling for extra moisture and depth of flavor.
• Swap turkey with rotisserie chicken or shredded roast chicken if you don't have Thanksgiving leftovers.
• Assemble the dish a day ahead and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal prep.

Creative Turkey Shells – Additions and Twists

• Vegetarian Shell Delight: Replace turkey with roasted mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based protein crumbles for a meat-free version. Use vegetable gravy and vegetable broth for added flavor.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Swap regular pasta shells with gluten-free jumbo shells. Use gluten-free gravy and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for celiac-friendly meal.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta shells with zucchini boats or large bell pepper halves. Replace mashed potatoes with cauliflower mash for reduced carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives like nutritional yeast or vegan cheese shreds. Replace regular cheese with cashew cream or plant-based cheese for lactose-intolerant individuals.

Serving Leftover Turkey Stuffed Shells with Sauce

• Festive Family Feast: A hearty main dish that transforms Thanksgiving leftovers into a delicious new meal.
• Comfort Food Upgrade: Serve these stuffed shells with a crisp green salad to balance the rich, creamy filling and add freshness to the plate.
• Holiday Remix Platter: Create a stunning presentation by arranging shells on a large platter, sprinkle extra fresh herbs, and add a small gravy boat on the side for guests who want extra sauce.
• Leftover Magic Pairing: Complement the shells with cranberry sauce or a light cranberry relish to bring a tangy contrast to the cheesy, savory turkey mixture.

Proper Storage for Turkey Stuffed Shells Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring food safety and maintaining flavor quality.
• Transfer stuffed shells to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn and maintain texture.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Place shells in baking dish, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. Remove foil during last 5 minutes to crisp cheese topping.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add splash of gravy to prevent dryness.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of leftover meat?

Yes, you can substitute turkey with chicken, ham, or roast beef for a similar comforting dish.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can assemble the stuffed shells ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

• What if I don't have mashed potatoes?

You can use ricotta cheese or cream cheese as a creamy alternative to bind the filling together.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply use gluten-free jumbo pasta shells and ensure your gravy and stuffing are gluten-free to accommodate dietary needs.

Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells for Crowd-Pleasing Comfort

• Repurpose Leftovers: Transform traditional Thanksgiving ingredients into a creative, delicious pasta dish that breathes new life into holiday remnants.
• Quick Family Comfort: Prepare a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal that comes together easily and satisfies everyone's comfort food cravings with minimal kitchen effort.
• Resourceful Cooking: Smartly use leftover turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, and stuffing to create a budget-friendly, waste-reducing dinner that feels like a brand new meal.
• Adaptable Recipe: Customize the dish by adjusting seasonings, cheese types, or adding extra vegetables to suit personal taste preferences and available ingredients.

Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Leftover Thanksgiving turkey stuffed shells bring classic comfort to post-holiday meals with creamy ricotta and hearty protein. Savory cheese-covered shells deliver a delicious second act for your remaining turkey, creating a crowd-pleasing dinner you’ll crave long after the holidays.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 12 Jumbo pasta shells
• 1 cup turkey, chopped
• 1 cup mashed potatoes
• 1 cup bread stuffing
• 1.25 cups gravy

Cheese and Dairy:

• 3 ounces (85 grams) cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon celery, diced
• 2 tablespoons yellow onion, diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 1½ quart baking dish to ensure easy serving and prevent sticking.
2. Cook jumbo pasta shells in boiling water for 8-9 minutes until perfectly tender, then drain and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Create a flavorful filling by combining shredded turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, finely diced onion, chopped celery, minced garlic, and half of the cheddar cheese, seasoning with salt and pepper for balanced taste.
4. Spread a layer of gravy across the bottom of the prepared baking dish to add moisture and prevent shells from sticking.
5. Carefully stuff each pasta shell with the prepared turkey mixture, arranging them neatly in the gravy-lined baking dish.
6. Top the stuffed shells with remaining gravy, crumbled stuffing, and the rest of the shredded cheese to create a rich, golden crust.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the dish is thoroughly heated and the cheese turns golden and bubbly.
8. Finish by garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or green onions for a burst of color and added freshness. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

• Customize the filling by adding herbs like thyme or sage for extra Thanksgiving flavor depth.
• Swap mashed potatoes with ricotta cheese for a lighter, creamier texture if preferred.
• Use gluten-free pasta shells and ensure gravy is gluten-free to make this recipe celiac-friendly.
• Replace turkey with roasted vegetables like butternut squash or mushrooms for a hearty alternative.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 310 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg