Introduction

Transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into a comforting and delicious new meal with these Turkey Stuffed Shells. This dish combines tender turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, and savory stuffing all wrapped in cheesy pasta shells. It’s a perfect way to enjoy the flavors of the holiday in a fresh, satisfying way.

A white rectangular baking dish filled with large pasta shells stuffed and covered in a creamy light beige sauce, topped with small golden-brown croutons and a sprinkling of chopped green onions, all arranged closely together and slightly covered with melted cheese. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a striped beige and white cloth and two forks on the left side, and a clean white plate partially visible on the right. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 jumbo pasta shells
1 cup cooked turkey, chopped
1 cup mashed potatoes
1 tablespoon celery, diced
2 tablespoons yellow onion, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
3 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
1 1/4 cups gravy
1 cup bread stuffing
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 1 1/2 quart baking dish and set it aside.
Step 2: Boil the jumbo pasta shells for 8-9 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: While the pasta cooks, prepare the filling. Chop the turkey into bite-sized pieces and warm the mashed potatoes until just heated through.
Step 4: In a medium bowl, combine the turkey, warm mashed potatoes, diced onion, diced celery, minced garlic, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper if desired, then stir to combine thoroughly.
Step 5: Spread 3/4 cup of gravy evenly on the bottom of the greased baking dish.
Step 6: Use a medium cookie scoop or spoon to fill each pasta shell with the turkey and potato mixture. Arrange the filled shells in the baking dish.
Step 7: Top the stuffed shells with the bread stuffing, the remaining gravy, and the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 9: Optional: Sprinkle with fresh parsley, chives, or green onions before serving. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Use leftover mashed sweet potatoes instead of regular mashed potatoes for a different flavor twist.
Try adding cooked mushrooms or spinach to the filling for extra texture and nutrients.
Substitute turkey with leftover chicken or ham if preferred.
If you don’t have gravy, use a creamy white sauce or marinara for a different taste profile.
To reduce prep time, use pre-cooked stuffing and store-bought gravy.

Storage

Store leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions until hot. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked shells for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Three large yellow pasta shells are placed on a white plate, each filled with a creamy white sauce mixed with small pieces of soft bread and garnished with chopped green herbs. The shells have a ridged texture and appear soft and tender. The creamy filling is slightly shiny, with the toasted bread bits adding a golden brown contrast on top. A silver fork rests on the side of the plate, and in the blurred background, another similar white plate with more stuffed pasta shells is visible, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells and store them in the refrigerator covered with foil for up to 24 hours before baking. Bake directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

What can I use if I don’t have jumbo pasta shells?

If jumbo shells aren’t available, you can use large manicotti tubes or even large ravioli to stuff with the turkey mixture. Just adjust the cooking and filling process accordingly.