Turkey Manicotti
Creamy turkey stuffed manicotti baked with cheese and sauce, offering comforting flavors perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook manicotti in boiling water about 18 minutes or until tender but still firm. Drain well.
- In a large skillet, cook ground turkey until no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in meatless spaghetti sauce and heat through.
- In a separate bowl, mix together beaten egg, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, snipped parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Stuff the cheese mixture into the cooked manicotti shells.
- Spoon one-third of the sauce mixture into a 12 x 8 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Place the stuffed shells atop the sauce in the dish.
- Cover the shells with the remaining sauce mixture, ensuring they are covered.
- Bake, covered, in a 350°F oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful twist, consider adding sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the cheese filling. If you're short on time, you can use store-bought marinara sauce instead of meatless spaghetti sauce. If you want a lighter option, substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or even a plant-based meat alternative. For extra creaminess, mix in a bit of sour cream with the ricotta.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Turkey Manicotti with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Jeano'S Italian Casserole for an Italian-inspired feast. For a refreshing drink, consider a light white wine or sparkling water with lemon. Garnish with additional parsley or freshly grated Parmesan for extra flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the manicotti with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Turkey Manicotti contains roughly 1608 calories, with 78g protein, 222g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (212% of the Daily Value), protein (157% of the Daily Value), and calcium (125% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1876mg per serving (82% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Turkey Manicotti ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the manicotti and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge. This makes it a convenient option for meal prep or hosting gatherings.
Can I freeze Turkey Manicotti?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked manicotti before baking. Wrap the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if necessary.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
If you don't have ricotta cheese, you can substitute it with cottage cheese or a blend of cream cheese and sour cream for a similar texture. Greek yogurt can also work well for a tangy flavor. Just be sure to adjust the seasonings to your taste.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).