Description
This comforting Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells recipe transforms your holiday leftovers into a warm, cheesy baked pasta dish. Jumbo pasta shells are filled with a savory mixture of turkey, mashed potatoes, vegetables, and cheddar cheese, then baked in a rich gravy and topped with stuffing and melted cheese for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Pasta and Filling
- 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
Additional Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups gravy
- 1 cup bread stuffing
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 1 1/2 quart baking dish to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Cook Pasta Shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook for 8–9 minutes until al dente. Drain carefully and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare Filling: While the pasta cooks, chop the cooked turkey into bite-sized pieces. Warm the mashed potatoes until just heated through. In a medium bowl, combine turkey, mashed potatoes, diced onion, diced celery, minced garlic, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, then stir well to combine evenly.
- Assemble Dish: Spread 3/4 cup of the gravy evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Using a medium cookie scoop or spoon, fill each cooked pasta shell with the turkey and potato mixture, then arrange the stuffed shells in the baking dish in a single layer.
- Add Toppings and Bake: Spoon the remaining gravy over the stuffed shells, then top evenly with the leftover bread stuffing and the remaining shredded cheddar cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the dish is heated through.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and optionally garnish with fresh parsley, chives, or green onions for a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm for a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- If gravy is too thick, thin it with a little water or broth before spreading.
- Leftover vegetables such as cooked carrots or green beans can be added to the filling for extra nutrition.
- Use gluten-free pasta and stuffing if needed to make this recipe gluten-free.
- For extra crispiness, broil the dish for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat covered to retain moisture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
