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Homemade Chicken Stuffed Shells photo

Chicken Stuffed Shells

This Chicken Stuffed Shells recipe is a crowd-pleaser! Creamy ricotta and tender chicken wrapped in pasta and smothered in marinara.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts cubed
  • 12 ounces dry jumbo pasta shells (1 box)
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 5 ounces Parmesan cheese shredded and divided
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 24 ounces marinara sauce (1 jar)

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • Baking dish
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once boiling, add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken breasts and cook until they are no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning, and remove from heat.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, ricotta cheese, and half of the shredded Parmesan cheese. Mix well until all the ingredients are combined and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the chicken and cheese mixture, placing them seam-side up in the baking dish.
  5. Once all the shells are stuffed, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top. Sprinkle the remaining shredded Parmesan cheese evenly over the sauce.
  6. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Notes

  • For added flavor, consider mixing in some sautéed spinach or mushrooms into the filling.
  • These shells can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a day before baking.
  • Freeze unbaked shells for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before baking.