Stuffed Shells

Stuffed Shells Recipe: A Delicious Comfort Food Classic 🍝

Stuffed shells are a comforting, hearty dish that combines tender pasta, a flavorful ground turkey filling, and a creamy Alfredo sauce, all baked to perfection. This recipe brings together the richness of Italian cuisine with a touch of homemade goodness, making it the perfect meal for family dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

For the Stuffed Shells:

• 1 lb ground turkey 🦃
• 1 tbsp olive oil 🫒
• Jumbo shells 🍝
• 1/2 onion, diced 🧅
• 1/2 bell pepper, diced 🫑
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
• 1 jar of your favorite tomato pasta sauce 🍅
• 1 tsp onion powder 🧂
• 1 tsp garlic powder 🧄
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning 🌿
• 1/4 tsp fennel 🌿
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) 🌶️
• Salt and pepper to taste 🧂
• 1 cup Italian cheese mix, shredded 🧀
• 1 cup shredded Colby jack cheese 🧀
• Italian parsley (optional) 🌿

For the Alfredo Sauce:

• 1/2 stick unsalted butter 🧈
• 1 tsp olive oil 🫒
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream 🥛
• 1/2 shallot, minced 🧅
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
• 1 cup shredded Italian cheese blend 🧀
• 1/2 cup mozzarella or Parmesan cheese 🧀
• Salt and pepper to taste 🧂

Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). 🔥

2️⃣ Cook the Jumbo Shells:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo shells and cook according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the shells and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside. 🍝

3️⃣ Prepare the Filling:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and bell peppers, and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened. Next, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. 🧅🫑🧄

4️⃣ Cook the Ground Turkey:
Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. When the turkey is almost fully cooked, season with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, fennel seeds, salt, and pepper. 🦃🌿

5️⃣ Add the Tomato Sauce:
Pour in your favorite jar of tomato sauce, stirring well to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally. 🍅

6️⃣ Make the Alfredo Sauce:
In a separate saucepan, melt 1/2 stick of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and shallots, and sauté until fragrant, about 3 minutes. 🧈🧄🧅

7️⃣ Simmer the Cream:
Stir in the heavy cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Gradually add the shredded Italian cheese blend and mozzarella or Parmesan, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. To thin the sauce slightly, add about 1/4 cup of pasta water, mixing well. 🥛🧀

8️⃣ Season the Alfredo Sauce:
Season the Alfredo sauce with salt, pepper, and a dash of roasted garlic powder to taste. 🧂

9️⃣ Assemble the Dish:
In a baking dish, spread a layer of tomato sauce on the bottom. Stuff each cooked shell with the turkey mixture, filling them with about 1-2 spoonfuls each. Arrange the stuffed shells in the baking dish. Pour the Alfredo sauce evenly over the top of the shells. 🍝

🔟 Bake:
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the dish and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Once baked, allow the dish to rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor, and enjoy! 🌿🧀

Recipe Notes:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 6

This Stuffed Shells recipe is a delightful fusion of classic Italian flavors and creamy goodness. Perfect for cozy family dinners, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Serve it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that’s both satisfying and delicious. Bon appétit!