Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a unique twist on a classic dish! Our Broccolini and Jerk Chicken Stuffed Shells are not just your ordinary pasta; they are a vibrant fusion of Caribbean flavors wrapped in a comforting shell of cheesy goodness. Imagine the succulent, spicy jerk chicken mingling with the crispness of broccolini and creamy ricotta, all topped with melted mozzarella and a zesty marinara sauce. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or impressing guests at your next gathering. Dive into this culinary adventure and discover how to create a meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Caribbean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 lb jerk chicken, shredded
- 1 cup broccolini, chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking, then set aside to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded jerk chicken, chopped broccolini, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish to prevent shells from sticking.
- Carefully stuff each pasta shell with the chicken and broccolini mixture, filling generously but not overpacking.
- Arrange stuffed shells in the baking dish, ensuring they are close together but not overlapping.
- Pour remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring even coverage.
- Sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the shells.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully!
- Cook Pasta Perfectly: Make sure to cook the jumbo shells until they are just al dente. This will prevent them from becoming too soft during baking.
- Customize Your Filling: Feel free to add other vegetables or spices to the filling to suit your taste! Spinach, bell peppers, or even black beans can add a delicious twist.
- Marinara Magic: Use a high-quality marinara sauce for the best flavor. Homemade sauce can elevate this dish even more!
- Cheese Lovers Unite: Don’t hold back on the cheese! For an extra cheesy experience, mix in some Parmesan or use a blend of different cheeses.
- Let It Rest: Allow the stuffed shells to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the cheese set and makes serving easier.
- Garnish with Freshness: A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro on top before serving can brighten the dish and add a pop of color.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 110mg
