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A plate of chicken stuffed shells served with a side salad and garlic bread.

Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe – A Perfect Family Favorite


  • Author: Walter
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x

Description

Chicken stuffed shells combine tender pasta, a creamy cheese and chicken filling, and a rich sauce, all baked to golden perfection. This dish is a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that’s great for family dinners or gatherings. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly for easy meal prep!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2025 jumbo pasta shells
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie or homemade)
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 cups marinara or Alfredo sauce (or a mix)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

If not using rotisserie chicken, cook and shred 2 cups of chicken:

  • Boiling Method: Boil chicken breasts for 15-20 minutes, cool, then shred.
  • Baking Method: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes, cool, then shred.

Step 2: Make the Filling

  • In a large bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
  • Stir in the beaten egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
  • Fold in the shredded chicken (and any optional veggies).

Step 3: Cook the Pasta Shells

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook pasta shells 2 minutes less than the package instructions (they will cook further in the oven).
  3. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Spread 1 cup of sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  3. Fill each shell with 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture and place in the dish.
  4. Pour the remaining 1 cup of sauce over the shells.
  5. Sprinkle with extra mozzarella cheese.

Step 5: Bake

  1. Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly.
  2. Remove foil and bake for another 5 minutes to brown the cheese.
  3. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

 

Notes

Refrigeration

  • Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezing

  • Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheating

  • Oven: 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes (or 40-50 minutes if frozen).
  • Microwave: Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until warm.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: Chicken stuffed shells, baked pasta, cheesy stuffed shells, easy family dinner, Italian comfort food, freezer-friendly meals, chicken pasta bake, creamy stuffed shells, pasta casserole