These Thanksgiving Leftovers Stuffed Shells are a fun way to use up your holiday feast! Big pasta shells are filled with turkey, stuffing, and a creamy sauce for a cozy meal.
You can’t go wrong with cheese on top! I love popping these in the oven, and the smell alone makes me feel like it’s Thanksgiving all over again. Yum!
Making this dish is a breeze. Just mix the leftovers, stuff the shells, cover with sauce, and bake. It’s the perfect way to turn leftovers into something special!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta Shells: Large pasta shells are perfect for holding all the yummy filling. If you need a substitute, try using manicotti or even medium-sized rigatoni. Just make sure the pasta is big enough to stuff!
Turkey: Leftover turkey works great, but if you don’t have any, rotisserie chicken is a fantastic alternative. You can even use diced tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
Stuffing: Any kind of leftover stuffing is good to use, but if it’s not handy, consider using store-bought stuffing mix. A quick sauté with herbs can also boost its flavor.
Mozzarella Cheese: I love mozzarella for its melting qualities, but you can swap it for cheddar or a mix of cheeses like Monterey Jack for a different flavor.
Sour Cream: If you want a healthier twist, plain Greek yogurt is an excellent substitution. It has a similar tanginess and adds creaminess without excess fat.
How Do You Stuff the Shells without a Mess?
Stuffing the pasta shells can be tricky, but here’s how to do it simply! Using a spoon can be messy, so I prefer using a piping bag if I have one. If you don’t, just use a zipper-lock bag, cut off a corner, and squeeze the filling in.
- Hold the shell with one hand and fill it to the brim using your bag.
- Be gentle but firm to avoid tearing the pasta!
- After filling, place the stuffed shells in your buttered baking dish with the opening facing up to keep everything inside.
This method makes it quicker and less messy, and you’ll have perfect stuffed shells every time!
Thanksgiving Leftovers Stuffed Shells
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Stuffed Shells:
- 20 large pasta shells
- 2 cups cooked turkey, chopped or shredded
- 1 ½ cups stuffing, crumbled
- 1 cup mashed potatoes
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup chicken or turkey gravy
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dish takes about 15 minutes to prep and another 30 minutes to bake, totaling around 45 minutes. It’s a quick and satisfying way to make your Thanksgiving leftovers shine!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Getting the oven hot will help everything bake evenly and melt the cheese perfectly!
2. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until they are al dente—firm but cooked. When they’re ready, drain them and rinse with cold water to stop them from cooking further. Set the shells aside.
3. Prepare the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped turkey, crumbled stuffing, mashed potatoes, ricotta cheese, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese, and the dried herbs (sage and thyme), along with the garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined—this is the delicious filling!
4. Prepare the Baking Dish:
Take a baking dish and lightly butter the bottom to prevent the shells from sticking. A non-stick spray could work too!
5. Stuff the Shells:
Carefully stuff each cooked pasta shell with the turkey and stuffing mixture. Make sure to fill them generously! Once filled, place the stuffed shells into the prepared baking dish with the opening facing up.
6. Add the Gravy:
In a small saucepan, gently warm your chicken or turkey gravy. Pour this gravy evenly over the stuffed shells, so they stay moist and flavorful during baking.
7. Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the stuffed shells. This will give you that wonderful cheesy crust!
8. Bake the Dish:
Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and pop it into your preheated oven. Bake for about 20 minutes. Remove the foil and then bake for an additional 10 minutes to let the cheese get bubbly and golden brown.
9. Cool and Serve:
Once done, take the dish out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This also allows the flavors to settle.
10. Enjoy!
Serve the stuffed shells warm, and feel free to garnish with fresh parsley if you like. Enjoy this cheesy, comforting dish that brings the spirit of Thanksgiving back to your table!
Can I Use Other Types of Leftovers?
Absolutely! You can substitute the turkey with cooked chicken, ham, or even a meat-free option like sautéed mushrooms or lentils for a vegetarian version. Just make sure your protein is already cooked!
How Do I Store Leftover Stuffed Shells?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them! Just let the dish cool completely before cutting it into portions and wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the stuffed shells ahead of time! Assemble them up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Just make sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re going into the oven straight from the fridge.
What Can I Serve with Stuffed Shells?
Stuffed shells pair wonderfully with a simple green salad or garlic bread to complement the flavors. You could also serve them with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal!