Description
Classic Italian-style stuffed shells filled with tender chicken, creamy ricotta, and savory herbs, baked in rich marinara sauce and topped with melted cheese for the ultimate comfort meal.
Ingredients
20 jumbo pasta shells
2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or finely chopped
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 large egg
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese for topping
1 tablespoon olive oil for greasing the pan
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
2. Cook the pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cool water to prevent sticking.
3. In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly blended.
4. Spread about 1/2 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
5. Fill each pasta shell with 2–3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture and arrange them snugly in the dish.
6. Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells.
7. Sprinkle the top with extra mozzarella cheese.
8. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
10. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken for faster prep.
Try adding chopped spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
These shells can be prepared ahead and refrigerated up to 24 hours before baking.
Serve with garlic bread and a green salad for a complete dinner.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 stuffed shells
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 730
- Fat: 24
- Saturated Fat: 13
- Unsaturated Fat: 9
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 36
- Cholesterol: 115
Keywords: stuffed shells with chicken, baked pasta, chicken ricotta shells, easy dinner recipe, Italian comfort food