A delightful twist on a classic dish, these stuffed shells are filled with a flavorful turkey and bulgur mixture, baked to perfection.
Combine the bulgur with boiling water in a bowl, cover, and let it sit until the water is absorbed.
Ensure the bulgur is fully hydrated for a consistent texture.
Cook the ground turkey in a skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through.
Break the turkey into small pieces as it cooks for even browning.
Mix the cooked turkey, hydrated bulgur, cottage cheese, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Taste the filling and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Stuff the uncooked pasta shells with the prepared filling.
Use a small spoon to make stuffing the shells easier.
Arrange the stuffed shells in a baking dish coated with nonstick spray.
Ensure the shells are placed close together to prevent them from tipping over.
Mix the spaghetti sauce with water and pour it over the shells.
Cover the shells completely with sauce to ensure they cook evenly.
Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Check the shells for tenderness before removing the foil.
Uncover the dish, sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, and bake for an additional 5 minutes until melted.
Broil for a minute for a golden cheese crust.
Serve the stuffed shells hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired.
Pair with a side salad for a complete meal.