Imagine diving into a dish so creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor that it transforms an ordinary dinner into a gourmet experience. These Stuffed Pasta Shells with Chicken are not just a meal; they're a culinary journey that combines the comfort of Italian-inspired cuisine with the satisfying richness of tender chicken and melted cheese. Whether you're cooking for family, impressing a date, or simply treating yourself to something extraordinary, this recipe promises to be your new go-to comfort food that looks and tastes like it came straight from a restaurant kitchen.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 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 the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, 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.
- Using a spoon, carefully fill each pasta shell with the chicken and cheese mixture, ensuring they are generously stuffed but not overflowing.
- Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer in the baking dish. Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the shells.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the shells.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are slightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set and makes serving easier.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil if desired, and serve hot.
Tips
- Cook pasta shells just until al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking
- Use a spoon or piping bag for neat and even filling of the shells
- For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or fresh herbs to the chicken-cheese mixture
- Allow shells to rest after baking to help the filling set and make serving easier
- Use high-quality marinara sauce for the best overall taste
- If you have leftover filling, it makes a great dip or spread for crackers
- For a lighter version, you can substitute part-skim ricotta and mozzarella cheeses
- Ensure chicken is well-seasoned and thoroughly cooked before mixing with other ingredients
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 85mg
