Why You’ll Love this Make Ahead Strawberry Margaritas Recipe
When you’re looking for a fun twist on traditional pasta dishes, you’ll love this Make Ahead Strawberry Margarita Pasta Shells recipe. It’s perfect for entertaining or meal prep, letting you enjoy delicious flavors without the last-minute rush.
The combination of creamy cheeses and seasoned turkey creates a satisfying filling that’s both hearty and delightful. Plus, you can prepare it in advance, storing it in the freezer until you’re ready to bake.
It’s a crowd-pleaser that’ll impress your friends and family, and the best part is, you’ll have more time to enjoy the party instead of being stuck in the kitchen!
Ingredients of Make Ahead Strawberry Margaritas
When it comes to whipping up a delightful dish that combines the comfort of pasta with a fun twist, the Make Ahead Strawberry Margarita Pasta Shells recipe is a winner. It’s not just about the taste; it’s about the experience. Imagine gathering with friends, laughter filling the air, and you, the magnificent host, pulling out a tray of cheesy, stuffed pasta shells that have been waiting patiently in the freezer.
You’re just moments away from a delicious meal, and the best part? You didn’t have to rush through the kitchen like a tornado. So, let’s explore the ingredients you’ll need to create this mouthwatering dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 (12 ounce) box jumbo pasta shells, uncooked (about 30 shells)
- 2 (26 ounce) cans pasta sauce (I recommend Kroger brand Traditional for its lower sugar content)
- 2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons dried basil
- 1 (30 ounce) container whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 (16 ounce) container large curd cottage cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Now, a few considerations regarding these ingredients. First, the type of pasta sauce you choose can really make or break your dish. While I favor the Kroger brand for its balanced flavor, feel free to experiment with others that suit your taste buds.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even try making your own sauce from scratch. Just don’t forget about the cheese. The ricotta and mozzarella create a creamy, dreamy filling that makes you weak in the knees.
Oh, and if you’re not a turkey fan, ground beef or even a plant-based substitute can work wonders too. The key here is to have fun and make it your own. Just imagine how satisfying it’ll be to pull out those perfectly stuffed pasta shells from the freezer when you need a comforting meal.
How to Make Make Ahead Strawberry Margaritas
Let’s plunge into the delightful process of making Make Ahead Strawberry Margarita Pasta Shells. First off, gather all your ingredients. You’ll need 1 (12 ounce) box of jumbo pasta shells—those big beauties are perfect for stuffing.
While you’re at it, get the ground turkey ready, as you’ll be browning 1 pound of it over medium-high heat. Crumble it into small pieces and season with salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce. As it cooks, your kitchen will start to smell heavenly. Once the turkey is browned, just set it aside to cool.
Now, in a separate bowl, you’ll want to mix together 1 (30 ounce) container of whole milk ricotta cheese, 1 (16 ounce) container of large curd cottage cheese, and 2 large eggs. This cheesy mixture is the heart of your dish, so don’t be shy about giving it a good stir.
Add in 2 tablespoons of dried basil, and sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste. Next, let’s tackle the sauce. Grab 2 (26 ounce) cans of pasta sauce and 2 (6 ounce) cans of tomato paste, combining them in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of basil. This sauce is your pasta’s best friend, so make sure it’s seasoned just right.
With your pasta shells, turkey filling, and sauce ready, it’s time to assemble. You’ll want to line the bottom of a 9×13 pan with a layer of that luscious tomato sauce.
Then comes the fun part—stuffing the uncooked pasta shells with your cheesy turkey mixture. It’s a bit like giving each shell a warm hug with all that goodness inside. Once you’ve packed them in there, rest them in the sauce, and repeat until everything is used up.
You might find this takes more than one pan, but that just means more deliciousness to enjoy later. Top it all off with 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese for that melty finish.
Now, you can either bake these beauties in a preheated 350-degree oven for about 30-40 minutes or cover and freeze them for up to 2 months. If you decide to bake from frozen, just add a little extra time—about 50 minutes should do it.
And there you have it, a make-ahead meal that’s as comforting as a warm blanket on a chilly evening. Enjoy!
Make Ahead Strawberry Margaritas Substitutions & Variations
Substituting ingredients in the Make Ahead Strawberry Margarita Pasta Shells can elevate the dish to fit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
For a healthier twist, I often swap ground turkey for lean ground chicken or plant-based meat. If you’re avoiding dairy, using a vegan ricotta made from nuts or tofu works beautifully.
I sometimes add fresh spinach or kale for extra nutrients. Feel free to experiment with different pasta sauces too; a spicy arrabbiata can kick things up a notch!
Finally, if you want a zesty finish, a squeeze of lime juice can enhance the flavors in this fun recipe.
What to Serve with Make Ahead Strawberry Margaritas
Pairing your Make Ahead Strawberry Margarita Pasta Shells with the right sides can truly enhance the meal experience.
I love serving a light, invigorating salad on the side. A simple mixed greens salad with a citrus vinaigrette perfectly balances the rich flavors of the pasta.
Grilled vegetables also make a fantastic accompaniment, adding a smoky touch.
If you’re in the mood for something heartier, garlic bread is always a hit.
And don’t forget some tortilla chips with fresh salsa for a fun, festive touch!
These sides elevate the meal and keep the margarita vibes going strong. Enjoy!
Additional Tips & Notes
While preparing your Strawberry Margarita Pasta Shells, keep in mind a few helpful tips to enhance the experience.
First, don’t rush the cooling process for the turkey; it’ll help keep the cheese filling creamy. If you’re short on time, consider using pre-cooked ground turkey.
Also, feel free to add extra veggies like spinach or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
When stuffing the shells, be generous but avoid overfilling to prevent spills during baking.
Finally, remember to let the dish rest for about 10 minutes after baking; this helps the flavors meld beautifully.
Enjoy your delicious creation!