Hey there, pasta lovers! 👋 Let me tell you about a dish that's about to become your new family favorite!
Ever tried Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe? Oh. My. Goodness. They're like little pockets of happiness that'll make everyone at your table do a happy dance! 🎉
Picture this: big, cozy pasta shells (you know, the ones that look like little boats?) stuffed with the most amazing mixture of tender chicken and melty cheese. Then we blanket them in marinara sauce and bake everything until it's all bubbly and golden. It's like a warm hug for your taste buds!
Why You'll Love This Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe
Hey there, foodie friends! 🌟 Let me tell you why this recipe is about to become your new favorite!
You know how some recipes just feel like they give you a big warm hug? That's exactly what these chicken stuffed shells recipe do! And trust me, they're WAY more exciting than your usual chicken stuffed shells recipe (sorry, ricotta and spinach, we still love you!).
Here's what makes these shells so special: instead of the usual cheese filling, we're stuffing them with this amazing creamy chicken mixture that's literally impossible not to love. Even your kids who "don't like anything green" will be asking for seconds!
The best part? This recipe is like your favorite pair of jeans - it works for everything! Having the neighbors over? Perfect! Need a cozy Tuesday night dinner? You got it! Want something you can make ahead for that crazy-busy week? These shells have your back!
And can we talk about how fancy these look? Like restaurant-worthy fancy, but between us - they're actually super easy to make. It's one of those recipes that makes people think you've got some secret culinary training (don't worry, I won't tell! 😉).
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe
- INGREDIENTS
- CHICKEN STUFFED SHELLS RECIPE INSTRUCTIONS
- Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe
- Equipment For Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe
- Storage Instructions
- Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- Dietary Benefits
- Serving Suggestions
- Top Tip
- Grandma's Magic Touch
- FAQ
- Share Your Chicken Stuffed Shells Creation!
- Related
- Pairing
- Easy Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe
INGREDIENTS
Let's get your shopping list together for these amazing shells! 🛒
What You'll Need (Nothing fancy, just delicious stuff!):
For Those Perfect Pasta Pockets:
- One 12 oz box of jumbo shells (grab a few extra in case some break - trust me on this one!)
- 2 cups of shredded chicken (pro tip: grab a rotisserie chicken from the store - it's a total game-changer!)
- A 15 oz tub of ricotta (this makes everything super creamy!)
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella (save some for that amazing melty top!)
- ½ cup of Parmesan (because three cheeses are better than two! 🧀)
- 2 eggs (they hold everything together like magic)
- A handful of fresh parsley (about 2 tablespoons when chopped)
- 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning (instant flavor boost!)
- 3 cloves of garlic (or more, I won't judge! 😉)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Your favorite jar of marinara sauce (24 oz)
Quick Tip: Got leftover chicken in the fridge? Use that instead of rotisserie! Or if you're really planning ahead, those frozen grilled chicken strips work great too - just thaw and chop!
CHICKEN STUFFED SHELLS RECIPE INSTRUCTIONS
Let's break this down into super easy steps - I promise you'll feel like a pro! 👩🍳
Let's Get Started! 🏁 First Up - Pasta Prep:
- Crank that oven to 375°F - it needs time to get nice and toasty!
- Time to cook those shells! Here's a pro tip: cook them for 1 minute LESS than the package says. Why? They'll finish cooking in the oven and be absolutely perfect!
- Once they're done, drain them and spread them out on a baking sheet so they don't stick together and get clingy (nobody likes clingy pasta! 😉)
The Fun Part - Making That Amazing Filling! 🧀
- Grab your biggest mixing bowl - we're throwing a party in there! Toss in:
- Your shredded chicken
- The ricotta
- Half of your mozzarella (save the rest for later!)
- All that yummy Parmesan
- Your eggs
- The herbs and seasonings
- Mix everything together until it looks like the most delicious filling ever!
Time to Get Stuffing!
- Pour some marinara sauce into your baking dish - think of it as making a cozy bed for your shells
- Now for the fun part - stuff those shells! You can be fancy with a piping bag or just use a spoon (I won't tell!)
- Line up your chicken stuffed shells recipe like little soldiers in the dish
- Pour over the rest of your marinara sauce
- Sprinkle with that reserved mozzarella (this is where the magic happens!)
The Final Stretch! ✨
- Cover your masterpiece with foil and pop it in the oven for 25 minutes
- Then comes the best part - take off that foil and let it go another 10-15 minutes until it's all bubbly and golden
- The hardest part? Waiting 5 minutes before diving in! (But trust me, your tongue will thank you!)
Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe
- Cook extra shells as some may break during boiling
- Use a piping bag (or zip-top bag with corner cut) for easier filling
- Slightly undercook the pasta as it will continue cooking in the oven
- Pat the chicken dry before shredding to prevent excess moisture in the filling
Equipment For Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Piping bag or zip-top bag (optional but recommended)
- Aluminum foil
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftover chicken stuffed shells recipe in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: These shells freeze beautifully! Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Make-Ahead: Assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- Cheese Options: Substitute ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter version
- Protein Alternatives: Use ground chicken or turkey instead of shredded chicken
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free jumbo shells (cooking time may vary)
- Add Vegetables: Mix in chopped spinach or roasted red peppers to the filling
Dietary Benefits
This chicken stuffed shells recipe is:
- High in protein from chicken and cheese
- Rich in calcium from the dairy ingredients
- Can be made gluten-free with pasta substitution
- Provides a good source of vitamins and minerals
Serving Suggestions
Serve your chicken stuffed shells recipe with:
- Fresh garden salad
- Garlic bread or breadsticks
- Roasted vegetables
- Glass of Italian red wine for adults
Top Tip
For the most flavorful chicken stuffed shells recipe, use a combination of rotisserie chicken and high-quality marinara sauce. The pre-cooked rotisserie chicken not only saves time but also adds an extra depth of flavor to the filling.
Grandma's Magic Touch
You know those special dishes that bring back memories of Sunday family dinners? This Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe carries that same heartwarming magic. My grandmother always said the secret wasn't just in the ingredients – it was in the love and patience you put into each step. She would gently remind us to take our time filling each shell, making sure every bite would be perfect for the family to enjoy.
What made Grandma's version special was her clever trick of adding a pinch of nutmeg to the filling and using three different kinds of cheese. "It's not just about feeding the stomach," she'd say with a warm smile, "it's about feeding the soul." These little touches transformed simple stuffed shells into a dish that had everyone asking for seconds.
FAQ
What do you eat stuffed shells with?
Stuffed shells are typically served with garlic bread, crusty Italian bread, or a fresh green salad. Side dishes include roasted vegetables, sautéed broccoli, or Caesar salad. For a complete Italian meal, pair them with antipasto platters featuring olives, cured meats, and cheeses. A light side of grilled or roasted asparagus helps balance the rich, cheesy pasta dish.
What temperature should a stuffed chicken be when cooked?
A stuffed chicken must reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in both the meat and stuffing to be safe to eat. Always insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken and the center of the stuffing to verify this temperature. Stuffed chickens typically need to cook longer than unstuffed ones to ensure the filling reaches the safe temperature.
What's the difference between manicotti and stuffed shells?
Manicotti are large, smooth tubes of pasta designed for stuffing, while stuffed shells (conchiglie) are seashell-shaped pasta with ridges. Though both are typically filled with ricotta-based mixtures, manicotti are cylindrical and generally larger, while shells are smaller and curved. The shells' ridged texture helps sauce cling better, and their curved shape creates pockets that hold more sauce.
How do you keep stuffed shells from being watery?
To prevent watery Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe, drain and pat dry the ricotta cheese with paper towels before mixing the filling. For spinach filling, thoroughly squeeze out excess moisture from cooked spinach. Use thicker marinara sauce and avoid overloading the shells with filling. Let the shells cool slightly after boiling and drain well before stuffing. Avoid covering the dish with foil while baking, as this traps steam and creates excess moisture.
Share Your Chicken Stuffed Shells Creation!
How did your Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe turn out? Ready to savor something new? This recipe is sure to impress with its perfect balance of creamy, cheesy filling and tender pasta, all wrapped in rich marinara sauce. If you're a fan of Italian-American comfort food, be sure to try our Chicken Paella Recipe next – another easy-to-make yet delicious treat!
Did you make this Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe? We'd love to hear about your experience! Leave a star rating and share your thoughts in the comments.
Did you try any creative twists or use any unique ingredients? Your feedback not only helps others but also contributes to our growing community of home cooks. Don't forget to share a photo of your culinary creation!
Related
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe
Easy Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe
Equipment
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Piping bag or zip-top bag (optional but recommended)
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
the Shells:
- 1 package 12 oz jumbo pasta shells
- 32 oz ricotta cheese
- 10 oz frozen spinach thawed and drained
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 2 large eggs
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
the Sauce:
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese for topping
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
- Cook shells according to package directions minus 1 minute
- Mix ricotta, spinach, mozzarella, Parmesan, eggs, garlic, and seasonings
- Fill shells with cheese mixture
- Spread 1 cup marinara in baking dish
- Arrange filled shells in dish
- Top with remaining sauce and mozzarella
- Cover with foil, bake 25 minutes
- Uncover, bake 15-20 minutes until bubbly
- Garnish with fresh basil
Notes
- Squeeze spinach thoroughly to remove excess moisture
- Cook extra shells as some may break
- Let rest 10 minutes before serving
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