I always look forward to Thanksgiving. The gathering, the food, and the laughter create beautiful memories. However, as soon as the dinner is over, I often find myself staring down a mountain of leftover turkey. This year, I decided to shake things up with my Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells Recipe, which has quickly become a family favorite. The combination of flavors and textures makes these stuffed shells a comforting and fulfilling meal.
Why Stuffed Shells?
Stuffed shells are an Italian dish that’s both comforting and versatile. The large pasta shells are perfect for holding just about any filling. Using leftover turkey is a fantastic way to reduce waste and turn that holiday feast into a new, delicious meal. Plus, it’s always a treat to take something familiar and make it fresh again.
Ingredients for Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells Recipe
To whip up these delightful stuffed shells, you will need a few basic ingredients. Here’s what I typically use:
For the Filling:
- 2 cups of shredded leftover turkey
- 1 cup of ricotta cheese
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 3 cups of marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon of olive oil (if using homemade sauce)
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Pasta Shells:
- 12 to 16 jumbo pasta shells
How to Make Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells Recipe
First things first, preparing the pasta is crucial. I bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, I add the jumbo shells and cook them according to the package directions, usually about 10-12 minutes.
I make sure not to cook them too long; they need to be al dente since they’ll finish cooking in the oven. After draining, I rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. This also makes them easier to handle while stuffing.
Making the Stuffing Mixture
While the pasta is cooking, I start making the stuffing. In a large bowl, I combine shredded turkey, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. I mix everything until it’s well combined.
This filling is rich and creamy, thanks to the cheese and turkey. I love how the flavors meld together. It’s a great way to give the leftover turkey a delicious makeover.
Assembling the Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells
Now comes the fun part: assembling the stuffed shells. I pour about a cup of marinara sauce into the bottom of a baking dish. Using a spoon, I carefully stuff each cooked shell with the turkey filling.
I place them in the baking dish, opening side up. It’s okay if some filling spills out; I just tuck it back in gently. Once all the shells are in, I pour the remaining sauce over the top.
Baking Time
After the shells are assembled and sauced, I sprinkle some extra mozzarella on top. Then, I cover the dish with aluminum foil and pop it in a preheated oven at 375°F for 25-30 minutes.
This steaming process helps the flavors meld. Once the covered time is up, I remove the foil and let them bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serving the Stuffed Shells
Once out of the oven, I let the stuffed shells cool for a few minutes. Then, I spoon them onto plates, adding extra marinara if desired and garnishing with fresh basil. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, making it impossible to resist.
These stuffed shells are comforting and hearty, perfect for a family meal. My kids love them, and they can hardly tell they are eating Thanksgiving leftovers!
Storing Leftover Stuffed Shells
If I have any leftover stuffed shells, I take the time to store them properly. I usually keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
If I want to save them for longer, I freeze them. To freeze, I wrap the stuffed shells tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When I’m ready to enjoy them again, I can thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat them in the oven.
Variations to Try
The beauty of this dish is its versatility. While I love my turkey version, there are so many ways to mix things up. Here are a few of my favorite variations:
- Chicken Stuffed Shells: Replace turkey with shredded chicken for a different flavor.
- Vegetable Stuffed Shells: Use sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and zucchini if you’re looking for a veggie option.
- Buffalo Turkey Stuffed Shells: Add some buffalo sauce to the turkey mixture for a spicy kick.
- Extra Cheese: Mix in some cream cheese or goat cheese for added creaminess.
Tips for Perfect Stuffed Shells
After preparing this dish multiple times, I’ve learned a few tips that ensure the best result every time:
- Don’t Overcook Pasta: Al dente pasta holds up better when stuffed and baked.
- Let the Filling Cool: If the turkey is warm, let it cool a bit before mixing in the cheese and egg. This prevents the egg from cooking.
- Add More Sauce: If you prefer extra moisture, drizzle some more marinara on top before serving.
Why This Recipe is a Family Favorite
This Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells Recipe is a hit not just for its taste but also for its ease and nostalgic value. Thanksgiving leftovers get a new life, and the garlic and herbs fill the air with familiar and comforting scents.
Every time I make this dish, it reminds me of those cozy family gatherings, making it a dish worth repeating long after the Thanksgiving festivities.
In summary, stuffed shells are delicious, easy to make, and perfect for repurposing holiday leftovers. The whole family will enjoy this turkey-filled comfort food, making it a meal worthy of its own tradition.