Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 10 ounces shell pasta, dry (about 3 cups)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 pinch black pepper
Meat and Dairy
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
Sauces
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes, marinara sauce, or tomato sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the pasta bake.
- Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the shell pasta, and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set the pasta aside.
- Sauté onions and brown turkey: In a large oven-proof pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. Add diced onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender. Add the ground turkey and cook for 4-5 minutes, breaking it up until mostly cooked through and no longer pink.
- Add vegetables and seasonings: Reduce the heat to medium, then stir in the diced red bell pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until tender. Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Incorporate tomato sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce, stirring well to combine. Remove the pan from the heat and taste, adjusting the seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed.
- Combine pasta with sauce: Add the cooked pasta shells to the pan, stirring until the pasta is evenly coated with the turkey and tomato sauce mixture. Then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
- Bake the pasta casserole: Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbling at the edges. For a golden crispy top, switch the oven to broil for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and optionally sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs like parsley or basil. Serve immediately for a hearty and delicious meal.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
- Use oven-proof skillet or pan to avoid transferring contents.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to achieve desired spiciness.
- Feel free to substitute mozzarella with other melting cheeses like provolone or cheddar.
- For extra vegetables, add mushrooms or spinach at step 4.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or microwave until heated through.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
