Description
Indulge in a creamy, cheesy delight with chicken-stuffed shells. Tender pasta shells are filled with a savory chicken mixture, blended with rich cheeses and flavorful herbs, and baked to perfection in marinara sauce. This comforting dish is perfect for family dinners or special occasions, offering a satisfying and hearty meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 box (12 oz) jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta: Cook jumbo shells according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Make the filling: In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Stuff the shells: Carefully fill each pasta shell with the chicken mixture using a spoon.
- To assemble the dish, Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a baking dish. Then, arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer over the sauce.
- Add the topping: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells and sprinkle extra mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use a blend of marinara and Alfredo sauce.
- You can prepare this dish ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake.
- Substitute shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy option.
- Add spinach to the filling for extra nutrients and color.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Chicken stuffed shells, creamy stuffed shells, pasta dinner, easy chicken recipe, cheesy stuffed shells, family dinner recipe, Italian-inspired dish.