Easy Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe For Dinner Tonight

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe

Chicken stuffed shells are the perfect marriage of tender pasta, creamy filling, and rich marinara sauce. This comforting dish is ideal for family dinners, meal prep, or gatherings. The cheesy, savory stuffing combined with baked pasta creates a crowd-pleasing meal that’s both hearty and satisfying.

Recipe Overview

Serving Size	6 servings
Dish Type	Main course
Difficulty Level	Moderate
Preparation Time	25 minutes
Cooking Time	35 minutes
Total Time	1 hour
Calories	Approx. 450 kcal per serving

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Ingredients for Chicken Stuffed Shells

Main Ingredients:

• 20 jumbo pasta shells
• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or finely chopped)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg (lightly beaten)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Optional Additions:

• 1/2 cup chopped spinach (for extra nutrients)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for a hint of spice)

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Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Cook the Pasta Shells

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
• Drizzle the shells with olive oil to prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the Filling

• In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and optional spinach or red pepper flakes.
• Mix until well blended.

3. Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 375°F.

4. Assemble the Dish

• Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Stuff each cooked pasta shell with about 2 tablespoons of the chicken and cheese mixture.
• Place the stuffed shells in the baking dish in a single layer, open side up.

5. Add Sauce and Cheese

• Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells.
• Sprinkle the top with the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese.

6. Bake

• Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Serve and Enjoy

• Let the dish cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color.

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Tips for Success

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly grated Parmesan and good-quality marinara sauce elevate the dish’s flavor.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Slightly undercook the shells so they hold their shape when stuffed and baked.
• Meal Prep: Assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.

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Why This Recipe Works

The combination of creamy ricotta, savory chicken, and melted mozzarella stuffed into tender pasta shells creates an irresistible dish. Baking the shells in marinara sauce ensures the pasta stays moist and flavorful, while the bubbling cheese topping adds a satisfying finish.

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Health Benefits

• Protein-Rich: Chicken and cheese provide a healthy dose of protein.
• Vegetable Boost: Add spinach or zucchini to the filling for extra vitamins and minerals.
• Customizable: Swap out ingredients to suit dietary preferences or add more veggies.

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Key Takeaways

Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble and bake when needed.

Comforting Meal: Perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Customizable: Adjust flavors and ingredients to your liking.

“This recipe is a game-changer, delivering a delicious and satisfying dinner with minimal effort. The balance of flavors and textures is truly remarkable.”

Creating the Perfect Sauce

To make the creamy sauce, melt butter in a saucepan. Whisk in flour to make a roux. Then, add milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until it thickens. Add Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and fresh parsley. Or, use a jarred marinara sauce mixed with heavy cream for a tasty topping.

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Stuff the cooked pasta shells with the chicken filling. Arrange them in a baking dish. Pour the creamy sauce over the shells and top with more shredded cheese.

Bake the easy chicken stuffed shells for 25-30 minutes. The sauce should be bubbly, and the cheese golden brown. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting dish!

Tips for Making the Best Stuffed Shells with Chicken

To make the best chicken alfredo stuffed shells or chicken parmesan stuffed shells, follow some expert tips. First, cook more pasta shells than you need. This is because some might break while boiling. Also, rinse the cooked shells with cold water to stop them from sticking together.

For easy filling, use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a corner cut off. This method helps you fill each shell neatly. You can also try different flavors like chicken Alfredo or chicken Parmesan stuffed shells.

Another important tip is to remove excess moisture from the ricotta cheese. This makes your filling creamy. Season the filling well with salt, pepper, and spices for great flavor. Let the stuffed shells cool a bit before handling to avoid burns.