This Turkey Manicotti is a fun, stuffed pasta dish filled with juicy ground turkey and creamy cheese. It’s a comforting meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table!
I love how easy it is to make—just fill the shells, top with sauce, and bake! Plus, you’ll feel like a chef when you serve it. Who knew dinner could look this fancy? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Manicotti Shells: These pasta tubes hold the filling well. If you can’t find manicotti, try using jumbo shells or even lasagna noodles, cut into pieces!
Ground Turkey: This is the star protein here! You can substitute with ground chicken, beef, or even plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian option.
Ricotta Cheese: It gives a creamy texture. If you’re in a pinch, cottage cheese blended until smooth works well, or try vegan ricotta made from nuts for a dairy-free twist.
Marinara Sauce: A jarred sauce makes this quick. If you want a homemade version, sauté some onions and garlic, add crushed tomatoes, and season to taste!
Cheeses: I use mozzarella and Parmesan for that gooey, cheesy goodness. Feel free to swap for other cheeses like provolone or cheddar if you prefer a different flavor.
How Can I Easily Fill Manicotti Shells without a Mess?
Filling manicotti can be tricky without a plan. Here’s a simple way to get it done neatly!
- Use a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with one corner snipped off to fill the shells. It’s way easier and keeps things clean!
- Another option is to place the filling in each shell carefully using a spoon, but take your time to avoid breaking them.
- Don’t overstuff the shells; just fill them until they’re nicely packed, not overflowing.
With these tips, you’ll be filling those manicotti like a pro in no time! Enjoy the cooking experience!
How to Make Turkey Manicotti
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Manicotti:
- 12 manicotti pasta shells
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce (or homemade tomato sauce)
For the Cheese Filling:
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Turkey Manicotti recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 35-40 minutes for baking. In total, you’re looking at about 50-55 minutes to a delicious dinner that’s sure to impress!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish:
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a baking dish large enough to hold all those delicious manicotti shells, and give it a light greasing to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Pasta:
Next, cook the manicotti shells according to the package directions until they’re al dente. Once cooked, drain them and lay them out on a clean kitchen towel to prevent sticking together.
3. Sauté Onions and Garlic:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add in the chopped onion and let it cook until it’s soft, about 3-4 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic and continue cooking for another minute until it’s fragrant.
4. Brown the Turkey:
Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Cook it while breaking it up with a spoon until it’s browned and cooked through, which should take around 6-8 minutes. Season it with salt, black pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning. Take it off the heat and let it cool slightly.
5. Make the Cheese Filling:
In a large bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with half of the mozzarella, half of the Parmesan, the egg, and the remaining Italian seasoning. Stir until it’s all combined. Now, fold in the turkey mixture, ensuring it’s nicely mixed together.
6. Assemble the Manicotti:
Spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Carefully fill each manicotti shell with the turkey and cheese filling—use a spoon or a piping bag for this part to make it easier!
7. Arrange and Top the Dish:
Place the filled shells seam side down in the baking dish over the sauce. Once they’re all in, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top. Finish with a sprinkle of the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
8. Bake:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and pop it in the oven to bake for 20 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, with a slight golden color.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, let the manicotti rest for 5 minutes before serving up. Garnish with freshly chopped basil over the top for a pop of flavor and color. Enjoy your delicious Turkey Manicotti!
Happy cooking! 🍽️
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! While ground turkey is delicious, you can easily swap it for ground chicken, beef, or even a plant-based meat substitute if you want a vegetarian option.
What If I Can’t Find Manicotti Shells?
No worries! If manicotti shells are hard to find, you can use jumbo pasta shells or even roll up the filling in lasagna noodles instead. Just cut the noodles to the desired size!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in the oven covered with foil to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the full dish ahead of time! Assemble it up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s cold from the fridge.