Thanksgiving Stuffed Shells are a creative and comforting twist on the classic Thanksgiving dinner, bringing together all the flavors you love in a fun and easy-to-eat form. These jumbo pasta shells are filled with a savory mixture of turkey, stuffing, and sautéed vegetables, then baked in a creamy gravy sauce and topped with a sprinkle of cheese. It’s the perfect dish to serve as an alternative to traditional holiday meals or to use up leftovers in a delicious new way. The blend of flavors and textures makes each bite a little taste of Thanksgiving, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 20-24 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced
- 2 cups prepared stuffing
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups turkey gravy (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta Shells: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrot, and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened. Add the minced garlic, dried sage, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper, and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables, cooked turkey, and prepared stuffing. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
- Fill the Shells: Spread 1/2 cup of turkey gravy on the bottom of a large baking dish. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the turkey and stuffing mixture, then place them in the baking dish, open side up.
- Add the Gravy and Cheese: Pour the remaining turkey gravy over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are evenly coated. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish the stuffed shells with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy this delicious twist on Thanksgiving flavors!
These Thanksgiving Stuffed Shells are a comforting, flavorful, and fun way to celebrate the holiday season or enjoy those beloved leftovers in a new and exciting way.
