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Butternut Squash and Turkey Sausage Stuffed Shells

Why You’ll Like This Recipe

These utterly delicious Butternut Squash and Turkey Sausage Stuffed Shells are a perfect choice for the cozy fall season. Each tender pasta shell is lovingly packed with a delightful mix of roasted butternut squash and savory turkey sausage, all blended with creamy cheeses. Topped with bubbling marinara sauce, this dish is the epitome of comfort food, making it an ideal option for family dinners or entertaining guests. It’s a lovely way to embrace the flavors of the season while enjoying a unique twist on traditional stuffed shells.

Recipe: Butternut Squash and Turkey Sausage Stuffed Shells

Ingredients

20 jumbo pasta shells, cooked
1 lb ground turkey sausage (or turkey sausage links, casings removed)
1 cup butternut squash, roasted and mashed
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 jar marinara sauce

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the turkey sausage and cook it until it’s browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart into crumbles as it cooks. Once done, drain any excess fat and let it cool slightly.

Step 2: Combine the Filling Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage, mashed butternut squash, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Stir the mixture until it’s smooth and well-combined, creating a rich filling.

Step 3: Fill the Pasta Shells

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce. Take each cooked pasta shell and fill it generously with your savory filling, placing each shell open side up into the baking dish.

Step 4: Add Marinara and Cheese

Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells. If you like, you can sprinkle some extra shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese on top for that ooey-gooey goodness!

Step 5: Bake

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the shells are heated through.

Step 6: Serve

Once baked to perfection, serve your Butternut Squash and Turkey Sausage Stuffed Shells hot. You can garnish them with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy this comforting dish with your loved ones!

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving:

These heavenly stuffed shells are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. Pair them with a refreshing side salad and some garlic bread for a full meal experience that everyone will love.

Storage:

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use a microwave if you’re short on time.

Helpful Notes

Substitute Sausage: If you can’t find turkey sausage, ground Italian sausage or even regular ground turkey will work just fine.
Roast the Butternut Squash: For the perfect taste, roast your squash by cutting it into cubes, tossing it with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and baking it at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes until tender.
Extra Topping: For an even cheesier result, sprinkle a bit more mozzarella or Parmesan on top of the marinara before you bake it!

FAQs

Q1: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed shells in advance, cover them, and refrigerate for up to a day before you bake them. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re cold from the fridge.

Q2: Can I freeze these stuffed shells?

Yes! Assemble the shells, cover them well, and freeze before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as usual.