🍝 Turkey & Italian Sausage Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Fresh Tomato Sauce

Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

For the Filling:

• ½ lb ground turkey
• ½ lb Italian sausage (remove casings if in links)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup shredded Parmesan (plus extra for topping)
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• ½ tsp garlic salt
• ½ tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ¼ tsp oregano
• 12–16 large pasta shells, cooked and drained

For the Sauce:

• 3–4 fresh tomatoes, diced
• ¼ cup onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp garlic paste (or 2 cloves minced garlic)
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ¼ tsp garlic salt
• ¼ tsp oregano
• Olive oil (1–2 tbsp)

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Instructions

1. Cook the Shells

• Bring salted water to a boil and cook large pasta shells until just al dente.
• Drain and lay on a baking sheet lightly brushed with oil to prevent sticking.

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2. Make the Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add onion and sauté until translucent (about 2–3 minutes).
3. Stir in garlic paste, cooking until fragrant.
4. Add fresh tomatoes, Italian seasoning, garlic salt, and oregano.
5. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until it thickens slightly.
6. Adjust seasoning to taste and set aside.

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3. Prepare the Filling

1. In a separate skillet, cook ground turkey and Italian sausage together until browned and fully cooked.
2. Drain any excess fat.
3. Stir in chopped spinach until wilted (1–2 minutes).
4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
5. In a bowl, combine the meat mixture with ricotta, Parmesan, and all the seasonings (garlic salt, onion powder, Italian seasoning, oregano).
6. Mix well — it should be creamy and flavorful.

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4. Stuff and Bake

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
3. Spoon the filling into each cooked shell and place in the dish, seam side up.
4. Pour remaining sauce evenly over the shells.
5. Sprinkle extra shredded Parmesan on top.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake another 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.

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5. Serve & Enjoy

• Garnish with a sprinkle of Parmesan or chopped basil if desired.
• Serve hot with garlic bread or a fresh salad 🥖🥗