Creamy Alfredo shells stuffed with cottage cheese, spinach, and turkey create a festive, protein-rich main dish.
# Components:
→ Pasta
01 - 24 jumbo pasta shells
→ Filling
02 - 2 cups low-fat cottage cheese
03 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
04 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
05 - 1 large egg
06 - 1 1/2 cups fresh baby spinach, chopped
07 - 1 1/2 cups cooked turkey breast, diced
08 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
09 - 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
10 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
11 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Cottage Cheese Alfredo Sauce
12 - 1 1/2 cups low-fat cottage cheese
13 - 1/2 cup milk
14 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
15 - 2 tablespoons light cream cheese
16 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
17 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
18 - Salt and pepper to taste
→ Garnish (optional)
19 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
20 - 1/4 cup diced roasted red peppers
# Directions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
02 - Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
03 - In a blender or food processor, combine cottage cheese, milk, Parmesan cheese, light cream cheese, minced garlic, ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and set aside.
04 - In a large bowl, combine cottage cheese, 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, chopped spinach, diced turkey, garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. Mix until evenly incorporated.
05 - Spread about 1/2 cup of the Alfredo sauce evenly in the prepared baking dish.
06 - Fill each pasta shell with approximately 2 tablespoons of the filling mixture and place them in the baking dish in a single layer.
07 - Pour the remaining Alfredo sauce over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese.
08 - Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
09 - Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden.
10 - Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and diced roasted red peppers before serving.
