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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 1½ quart baking dish to ensure easy serving and prevent sticking.
- Cook jumbo pasta shells in boiling water for 8-9 minutes until perfectly tender, then drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- 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.
- Spread a layer of gravy across the bottom of the prepared baking dish to add moisture and prevent shells from sticking.
- Carefully stuff each pasta shell with the prepared turkey mixture, arranging them neatly in the gravy-lined baking dish.
- Top the stuffed shells with remaining gravy, crumbled stuffing, and the rest of the shredded cheese to create a rich, golden crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the dish is thoroughly heated and the cheese turns golden and bubbly.
- 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