Low Fat Cheesy Jumbo Pasta Shells with Ground Turkey
Savor the comforting flavors of a classic Italian-inspired dish with a healthier twist in this Low Fat Cheesy Jumbo Pasta Shells with Ground Turkey recipe. Packed with lean ground turkey, fresh spinach, and a creamy blend of low-fat ricotta, part-skim mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, these jumbo pasta shells are stuffed to perfection and baked in zesty marinara sauce for a meal that's both hearty and wholesome. Infused with garlic, onions, and Italian seasoning, each bite is bursting with savory flavor, while the use of lean ingredients keeps it light yet satisfying. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this easy-to-make casserole is ready in just an hour and serves up to four. Pair it with a crisp side salad or crusty whole-grain bread for a complete, crowd-pleasing meal!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 pieces Jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound Ground turkey (93% lean)
- 1 cup Low-fat ricotta cheese
- 1 cup Part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 0.25 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large Egg
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 0.5 cup Onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups Fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups Marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or oil.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is fully cooked and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Stir in the spinach, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 2-3 more minutes until the spinach is wilted. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and the egg. Mix until smooth. Add the cooked turkey-spinach mixture to the cheese mixture and stir until fully combined.
Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly onto the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Stuff each cooked pasta shell with about 2-3 tablespoons of the turkey-cheese mixture, then arrange them seam side up in the baking dish. Repeat with all the shells.
Pour the remaining 1 cup of marinara sauce over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella on top.
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
513 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 26.4 g | 34% | |
| Saturated Fat | 10.7 g | 54% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 167 mg | 56% | |
| Sodium | 1050 mg | 46% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 22.7 g | 8% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.9 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.2 g | ||
| Protein | 43.8 g | 88% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.8 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 488 mg | 38% | |
| Iron | 3.7 mg | 21% | |
| Potassium | 668 mg | 14% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
