Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe

Introduction

Looking for a deliciously hearty dinner that will please everyone at the table? This chicken stuffed shells recipe is the perfect solution! Combining tender chicken with creamy cheese and pasta shells, this dish offers a satisfying bite in every forkful. Not only is it a crowd-pleaser, but it’s also easy to make and full of flavor. In this post, you’ll learn how to create this comforting dish with step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and variations to suit any taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken stuffed shells offer the perfect combination of comfort and convenience. The tender, juicy chicken, rich cheese filling, and savory marinara sauce create a mouthwatering dish that is sure to impress. These stuffed shells are hearty yet light enough for a weeknight meal but special enough for a family gathering or dinner party.

The beauty of chicken stuffed shells lies in their versatility. The cheesy filling can be adjusted to suit any flavor profile, from classic Italian to spicy Cajun. Moreover, this recipe is highly customizable, allowing you to choose between different cheeses or add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for an extra flavor boost. With its vibrant colors and savory layers, this dish is both visually appealing and satisfying to the taste buds.

Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or preparing it in advance for a busy day, chicken stuffed shells provide a delicious and fulfilling meal. It’s an easy, make-ahead recipe that freezes wonderfully, offering comfort and flavor whenever you need it most.

Recipe Details

Chicken stuffed shells have roots in traditional Italian-American cuisine, often prepared as a special meal during family gatherings or festive occasions. The dish typically features large pasta shells filled with a savory mixture of chicken, ricotta, and other cheeses, baked in marinara sauce.

The use of pasta shells offers a delightful texture contrast, allowing the filling to shine while the sauce provides moisture and flavor. The creamy cheese blend envelops the chicken, creating a satisfying bite that combines the rich flavors of Italian comfort food with a fresh twist from the chicken.

Culinary techniques for making chicken stuffed shells involve careful assembly and baking. Precooked shells are filled with a well-seasoned mixture of chicken and cheeses, then topped with marinara sauce and baked until golden and bubbly. The result is a mouthwatering dish that is both filling and indulgent, offering a rich yet balanced flavor profile.

Culturally, stuffed pasta dishes like chicken-stuffed shells are a staple of Italian-American kitchens, representing family tradition and shared meals. This dish brings a slice of Italy to your dinner table, allowing you to enjoy the flavors of a classic Italian meal without the need for a long cooking time.

Nutritional Information

Chicken stuffed shells are a balanced dish that combines protein, carbs, and fat, making it a well-rounded meal. The chicken provides lean protein, which helps with muscle repair and growth. The pasta shells offer carbohydrates for energy, while the cheese filling provides a rich source of calcium, essential for bone health.

One serving of chicken stuffed shells typically contains around 400-500 calories, depending on the specific ingredients used. The chicken adds about 20-30 grams of protein, helping to keep you feeling full longer. While the dish does contain fat from the cheese and sauce, it can easily be adjusted to be lighter by using reduced-fat cheese or opting for a tomato-based sauce.

In addition to being high in protein, chicken stuffed shells are also a great source of vitamins and minerals. The inclusion of vegetables like spinach, if added to the filling, increases the nutritional profile, providing extra vitamins A and K, as well as iron and fiber. By including a side of salad or roasted vegetables, you can further increase the health benefits of the meal.

For those seeking to make the dish healthier, consider using whole wheat pasta shells, which offer more fiber, or opting for a low-fat ricotta or cottage cheese filling. You can also swap out regular marinara sauce for a homemade version with added vegetables to boost the nutritional content.

Ingredients

For the filling:

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg (to bind the filling)
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste

For the pasta:

12 large pasta shells (jumbo shells)

For the sauce:

3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

The chicken used in the recipe should be cooked and shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces. Rotisserie chicken works great for this dish, saving time and adding flavor. The ricotta and mozzarella create the creamy, cheesy base for the filling, while Parmesan adds an extra layer of richness. The egg helps bind the mixture together for a sturdy filling that holds its shape inside the shells.

For sourcing recommendations, opt for high-quality ricotta and mozzarella cheeses, as they make a significant difference in the texture and flavor of the dish. Fresh basil, though optional, enhances the overall freshness of the meal, contributing to the vibrant flavor.

Equipment Needed

Large pot for boiling pasta: You’ll need a large enough pot to cook all 12 pasta shells at once. A deep pot helps prevent the shells from sticking together.
Baking dish: A 9×13-inch baking dish is perfect for this recipe, providing ample space for the stuffed shells to bake evenly in the sauce.
Large spoon or spatula: For mixing the chicken filling and transferring the shells into the baking dish.
Sharp knife: For chopping the cooked chicken and other vegetables if using additional ingredients.
Grater: To freshly grate Parmesan cheese and any other cheese you may want to add.

If you don’t have a 9×13-inch baking dish, a slightly smaller or larger dish can also work, as long as the shells are arranged in a single layer with enough room for the sauce to circulate. You can also use aluminum foil to cover the dish while baking to retain moisture.

Pro Tips for Success

Cook pasta al dente: Ensure that your pasta shells are cooked al dente, or slightly firm, to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking.
Season the filling well: The chicken and ricotta mixture should be well-seasoned, as the pasta shells and sauce won’t provide enough flavor on their own.
Layer sauce generously: Don’t skimp on the marinara sauce. It helps keep the stuffed shells moist while baking and infuses them with additional flavor.
Avoid overstuffing: Fill each shell generously, but avoid overstuffing them. If the filling spills over, it can make a mess while baking.
Make ahead: Prepare the dish in advance by assembling it the night before, then refrigerating it until you’re ready to bake. This makes for a great make-ahead dinner.
Experiment with different fillings: While the chicken filling is classic, feel free to try ground turkey, sausage, or even vegetarian versions with spinach and ricotta for a different twist.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the pasta shells in a large pot of salted boiling water. Follow the package instructions for al dente pasta. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, egg, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Stuff the shells: Carefully spoon the chicken and cheese mixture into each pasta shell. Be sure not to overstuff them.
Prepare the baking dish: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Arrange the stuffed shells: Place the stuffed shells in the baking dish, filling side up. Once all shells are in the dish, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top.
Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the sauce is hot.
Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot.

Recipe Variations

Vegetarian stuffed shells: Replace the chicken with spinach, mushrooms, or a blend of both. The ricotta filling can still be used, or you can add other vegetables for a more complex flavor.
Cajun chicken stuffed shells: Add Cajun seasoning to the chicken filling for a spicy twist. Pair with a spicy marinara sauce or a creamy Alfredo sauce for added richness.
Spicy chicken stuffed shells: Mix in chopped jalapeños or chili flakes for an extra kick. You can also use a spicy marinara sauce or top with pepper jack cheese.
Gluten-free stuffed shells: Swap regular pasta shells for gluten-free pasta shells. Be sure to check that the marinara sauce is gluten-free as well.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover chicken stuffed shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, depending on the size.

To freeze, assemble the dish but do not bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let the dish thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed.

Serving Suggestions

Pair chicken stuffed shells with a fresh green salad or sautéed vegetables for a balanced meal. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette would also complement the dish, perfect for sopping up any extra marinara sauce. For dessert, a light sorbet or fruit salad would provide a refreshing end to your meal.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of shredded chicken? Yes, ground chicken works well and can be used in place of shredded chicken for a different texture.
Can I make chicken stuffed shells ahead of time? Absolutely! You can assemble the stuffed shells the night before, then bake them when you’re ready to serve.
Can I use a different type of pasta? If you can’t find jumbo shells, you can use manicotti or any large pasta that can hold the filling.
How can I make this dish spicier? Add red pepper flakes to the filling or opt for a spicy marinara sauce.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter? You can use lean chicken, fat-free ricotta, and reduced-fat mozzarella to cut calories. Consider using a homemade tomato sauce to control the ingredients.
What can I serve with stuffed shells? A fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread would pair perfectly with chicken stuffed shells.
Can I freeze chicken stuffed shells? Yes, they freeze well. Simply assemble, cover, and freeze. Bake from frozen with extra time.
How do I prevent the shells from breaking? Be sure to cook the pasta al dente, and handle the shells gently when stuffing them.
Can I use a different cheese for the filling? Yes, you can swap ricotta for cottage cheese, and mozzarella can be replaced with provolone or fontina for different flavors.
How long will leftover chicken stuffed shells last? Leftovers can be kept in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Conclusion

Chicken stuffed shells are a delicious and hearty dish that combines tender chicken, creamy cheese, and flavorful marinara sauce for a satisfying meal. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. With customizable options and easy-to-follow instructions, you can create the perfect batch of chicken stuffed shells every time.