These Thanksgiving Leftovers Stuffed Shells are a fun way to use up your holiday feast! Big pasta shells are filled with turkey, stuffing, and cheese—yum!
I love that this dish makes me feel like I’m having a new meal, even though I’m really just enjoying leftovers. It’s like Thanksgiving all over again but way easier! 🦃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Jumbo Pasta Shells: The large size of these shells is perfect for holding stuffing. If you can’t find jumbo shells, use large conchiglie or even cannelloni as alternatives.
Cooked Turkey: Leftover turkey is the star here! If you don’t have turkey, shredded chicken works well too. For a vegetarian option, try using sautéed mushrooms or cooked lentils.
Stuffing: Any stuffing you love will work, whether it’s homemade or store-bought. For gluten-free needs, look for gluten-free bread-based stuffing options.
Cheese: Ricotta adds creaminess, but you could swap it with cottage cheese for a lighter version. For extra flavor, add cream cheese or goat cheese to the mix!
Herbs: Dried sage and thyme bring warmth, but feel free to adapt with other herbs you enjoy such as rosemary or Italian seasoning.
How Do I Ensure My Stuffed Shells Don’t Fall Apart?
One challenge with stuffed shells is making sure they stay intact while you fill and bake them. Here’s how to keep them in great shape:
- Use carefully cooked shells; al dente is best as they will continue to soften in the oven.
- Let them cool a bit before handling; this makes them less fragile during stuffing.
- Scoop the filling gently into the shells—don’t overpack them or they might burst.
- Place them in the baking dish with the open side up, which helps keep the filling in.
By following these tips, your stuffed shells will not only taste amazing but look fabulous too!
Thanksgiving Leftovers Stuffed Shells
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stuffed Shells:
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or chopped
- 1 ½ cups stuffing (any kind, leftover or fresh)
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup cream or leftover white gravy
- 1 tsp dried sage
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (optional, for greasing the baking dish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 30 minutes of prep time, plus an additional 30-40 minutes to bake. In total, you can have this comforting dish ready in under an hour, making it an easy way to enjoy your leftovers!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that it’s nice and hot when your stuffed shells are ready to go in.
2. Cook the Pasta Shells:
In a large pot, cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Once cooked, drain them and let them cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
3. Prepare the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded turkey, stuffing, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, dried sage, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything gently until it’s well combined. This delicious filling is what will make your shells so tasty!
4. Grease the Baking Dish:
Take a large baking dish and lightly grease it with olive oil or butter to prevent sticking. This will help your stuffed shells come out perfectly!
5. Stuff the Shells:
Carefully stuff each cooked shell with the turkey and stuffing mixture. Be generous! Place the filled shells open-side up in the greased baking dish.
6. Add Cream or Gravy:
Evenly pour the cream or leftover white gravy over the stuffed shells. This will keep them moist and flavorful while baking.
7. Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the shells, making it cheesy and delicious!
8. Bake the Dish:
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
9. Let It Cool:
Once done baking, take the dish out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help everything set and make it easier to serve!
10. Enjoy Your Meal:
Dig in and enjoy this creamy, comforting twist on your Thanksgiving leftovers. It’s warm, hearty, and guaranteed to be a hit!
Can I Use Leftover Roast Beef or Ham Instead of Turkey?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, so feel free to substitute turkey with shredded roast beef or ham. Just ensure the meat is cooked and evenly shredded for the best texture in the filling.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, simply replace the turkey with sautéed vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. You can also add some cooked lentils for added protein and texture!
Can I Prepare These Shells in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed shells ahead of time! Assemble the dish, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just add an extra few minutes to the cooking time if they’re going in straight from the fridge.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use the microwave for a quicker option—just be sure to cover them to keep moisture in.