Turkey Manicotti

Indulge in the comforting flavors of this hearty Turkey Manicotti, a dish that's perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. Tender manicotti shells are generously filled with a creamy, savory mixture of seasoned ground turkey, ricotta, and three kinds of cheese—mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta—each bite bursting with irresistible richness. The stuffed shells are nestled in a vibrant marinara sauce, then baked to bubbly perfection with a golden layer of melted mozzarella on top. With a blend of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish, this recipe delivers a homestyle Italian meal with a lighter twist thanks to the lean turkey. Ready in just over an hour and serving six, this baked pasta masterpiece is as satisfying as it is easy to prepare. Perfect for weeknights yet elegant enough for a special occasion, it's sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation!

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 pieces manicotti shells
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1.5 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 piece large egg
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Cook manicotti shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.

Step 4

Remove the skillet from heat and let the cooked turkey cool for a few minutes.

Step 5

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, the beaten egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.

Step 6

Stir in the cooked turkey into the cheese mixture.

Step 7

Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish lightly with olive oil or cooking spray. Pour 1 cup of marinara sauce into the bottom of the dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 8

Using a piping bag (or a plastic bag with a corner snipped off), carefully fill each manicotti shell with the turkey and cheese mixture.

Step 9

Arrange the filled shells in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.

Step 10

Pour the remaining 2 cups of marinara sauce over the manicotti shells, ensuring they are evenly coated.

Step 11

Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top.

Step 12

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

Step 13

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.

Step 14

Remove from the oven and let the dish cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 15

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired, and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2396 grams (2396.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4299

Total Fat 172.10g	221%
Saturated Fat 78.80g	394%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.30g
Cholesterol 935mg	312%
Sodium 6286mg	273%
Total Carbohydrate 414.70g	151%
Dietary Fiber 22.10g	79%
Total Sugars 25.90g
Protein 273.60g	547%

Vitamin D 41IU	205%
Calcium 3779mg	291%
Iron 16mg	88%
Potassium 1009mg	21%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 36.0%

Protein: 25.4%

Carbs: 38.6%