The Kitchn: If you love Thanksgiving leftovers, you have to try this pasta dish
This seasonal twist on classic stuffed shells keeps the tender cooked pasta, the ricotta, and the stringy, melted mozzarella cheese, but ditches traditional filling for the flavors of Thanksgiving. And we mean that literally! These shells are stuffed with stuffing, roasted vegetables, and even bits of leftover turkey.
The best leftovers for stuffed shells
This recipe is made to be flexible -- an essential quality when it comes to leftovers. Think of it as more of a template full of suggestions rather than a strict recipe.
Got turkey? Shred or chop it, and mix it into the ricotta filling.
Got veggies or fruit? Sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, green beans, winter squash and even cranberry sauce have a place in this seasonal spin on stuffed shells.
Got other fixings? Have other leftovers you think will work? Go ahead and mix those in as well. Any combination of ingredients that sounds good to you will work for this recipe.
Swap marinara for bechamel
Instead of classic marinara sauce, this recipe calls for neutral bechamel. Bechamel is a simple sauce made from butter, flour and milk. It's lightly seasoned with nutmeg and simmered until it becomes rich and velvety. Use it to coat the stuffed shells as they bake to prevent them from drying out.
Post-Thanksgiving Stuffed Shells
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