Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe: An Easy Comfort Dinner

Whenever I want to serve a dish that feels a little fancy but doesn’t keep me in the kitchen all night, I turn to this chicken stuffed shells recipe. It’s creamy, cheesy, packed with flavor, and honestly, one of the most satisfying baked pasta dishes you can make. I love that it checks all the boxes, comforting, filling, crowd-pleasing, and easy to prep ahead.

The first time I made this chicken stuffed shells recipe was for a casual Sunday dinner with friends. What was supposed to be a quick test turned into a new favorite, especially when everyone went back for seconds. Since then, I’ve played with the fillings and sauces, and now I have a version that’s rich, flavorful, and completely customizable.

This is a dish that works for nearly every occasion—busy weeknights when you want leftovers, dinner parties when you need something foolproof and satisfying, or even as part of a festive holiday spread. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this chicken stuffed shells recipe is your golden ticket to an impressive and effortless meal.

Why This Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe Is Always in My Dinner Rotation

There are a few reasons why this chicken stuffed shells recipe has become a favorite in my kitchen, and it’s not just because of the cheesy goodness (though that helps a lot). It’s about how all the components come together in perfect balance.

• Tender pasta shells hold just the right amount of creamy chicken filling.
• The filling is loaded with flavor: shredded chicken, ricotta, mozzarella, a hint of garlic, and Italian seasoning give it that savory, crave-worthy taste.
• A rich tomato or Alfredo sauce brings it all together and adds a gorgeous baked finish when topped with cheese and broiled just a little.

Another thing I love is that this recipe is highly adaptable.

• You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or poach your own.
• Want it lighter? Sub in low-fat ricotta and skip the top layer of cheese.
• Going dairy-free? Use a plant-based ricotta and mozzarella, and opt for a marinara without cream.
• Feeding kids? Add some finely chopped spinach into the filling, they won’t even notice.

Whether you like red sauce, white sauce, or a combo of both, this recipe lets you make it your own. You can even prep it the night before and bake it when ready, which makes it ideal for meal planning or busy evenings.

Recipe Card

Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe

Recipe by Soukayna

0.0 from 0 votes

Cuisine: American, ItalianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

450

kcal

This chicken stuffed shells recipe combines tender pasta shells with a creamy, cheesy chicken filling, all baked to perfection under a layer of rich marinara sauce and gooey melted cheese. Comfort food at its finest!

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Ingredients

• 20 jumbo pasta shells

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken

• 1 cup ricotta cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 egg

• 2 cups marinara sauce

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions

• Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Cook Pasta Shells: Boil jumbo pasta shells in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• Prepare Filling: In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  
  
• Stuff Shells: Fill each pasta shell with the chicken mixture and arrange them in a baking dish coated with a layer of marinara sauce.
• Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells. Sprinkle the top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
• Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
• Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Notes

• Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
• Freshly grated cheese enhances flavor and melts better.
• Avoid overcooking the shells to keep them firm enough for stuffing.

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Tips for Perfect Chicken Stuffed Shells

1. Choose High-Quality Ingredients: Fresh ricotta and good-quality marinara sauce make all the difference in flavor.
2. Undercook the Pasta: Boil shells until just al dente; they’ll finish cooking in the oven.
3. Mix the Filling Thoroughly: Ensure the chicken, cheese, and seasonings are well blended for even flavor.
4. Avoid Overcrowding: Arrange the shells in a single layer to ensure they bake evenly.
5. Don’t Skip the Covering Step: Baking the dish covered with foil first prevents the shells from drying out.

Delicious Variations to Try on This Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe

1. Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

Replace marinara with Alfredo sauce for a creamy, indulgent version. You can add steamed broccoli or spinach to the filling for a green boost. It’s like chicken Alfredo in bite-sized pasta boats.

2. Tex-Mex Chicken Stuffed Shells

Spice things up by mixing in cumin, chili powder, black beans, and corn into the chicken mixture. Top with enchilada sauce and shredded cheddar. Serve with sour cream and cilantro.

3. Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells

For fans of a little heat, mix shredded chicken with cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and buffalo sauce. Cover with a light layer of Alfredo or mozzarella and bake until bubbly. Perfect game-day comfort food.

4. Spinach and Chicken Stuffed Shells

Stir sautéed spinach into the ricotta and chicken mixture. This adds texture and nutrients without overpowering the dish. You can use a classic marinara or even a tomato-cream sauce.

FAQs

Health Benefits of Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe

1. Rich in Protein: The chicken and cheese filling provide a healthy dose of protein, supporting muscle repair and growth.
2. Balanced Energy: The carbohydrates from pasta and fats from cheese offer sustained energy.
3. Calcium Boost: Cheese and ricotta deliver a good amount of calcium, essential for strong bones and teeth.
4. Customizable for Health: Swap regular pasta for whole-grain or gluten-free options, and add vegetables for extra vitamins and minerals.
5. Mood Booster: The cheesy, creamy flavors can have a comforting and mood-lifting effect.

Nutrition Information

Each serving of chicken stuffed shells (based on 6 servings) contains approximately:

• Calories: 380 kcal
• Protein: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fats: 16g
• Fiber: 2g

(Note: Values may vary based on specific brands and quantities of ingredients used.)

One Last Thing

There’s something undeniably comforting about baked pasta. The golden top, the bubbling sauce, the creamy filling, they all come together in this chicken stuffed shells recipe to create a dish that’s both nostalgic and exciting.

Whether you stick with the classic or try one of the many variations, this recipe is guaranteed to make your dinner table feel warmer and more inviting. I love that it’s a true multitasker, perfect for family meals, make-ahead lunches, or potluck parties. It’s hearty without being heavy, impressive without being complicated, and familiar without being boring.

If you loved this recipe, you’ll adore our Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake for another cheesy, comforting dinner idea!