Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells

There’s something magical about a cozy night in, the aroma of home-cooked meals wafting through the air. One dish that always brings a smile to my face is Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells. It reminds me of family gatherings where we would savor each other’s company over plates piled high with cheesy goodness. My kids love it, and honestly, so do I! The combination of flavors and textures in this dish is simply irresistible. When you take a bite, you get that creamy, savory filling balanced perfectly with the tangy marinara sauce and melted cheese. It’s a comforting dish that brings warmth to the table, no matter the occasion. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a special gathering, these stuffed shells never fail to impress. I’m excited to share this recipe with you!

Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells Ingredients

The ingredients in Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells work together harmoniously to create a memorable meal. The key players include the jumbo pasta shells that cradle a delicious filling of ground chicken, cheeses, and spices, all topped with marinara sauce and Panko breadcrumbs for added texture. Each ingredient complements the others, ensuring a flavorful experience.

• 12 ounces jumbo pasta shells: Perfect for holding the savory filling, these large shells provide a satisfying bite.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and depth to the dish while cooking the chicken.
• 1 lb ground chicken: The main protein source that brings heartiness to the filling.
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasonings: A blend of herbs that infuses the chicken with authentic Italian flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients in the dish.
• 2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese: Makes the filling creamy and delightful, a perfect partner to the chicken.
• 2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully on top, creating a gooey, irresistible layer.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty richness to the filling.
• 1 large egg: Binds the filling ingredients together for a cohesive texture.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic flavor to the filling.
• 4 cups marinara sauce: The tangy base that complements the stuffed shells perfectly.
• 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs: Adds a crispy topping that contrasts with the creamy filling.
• Optional chopped parsley: For garnish, adds a refreshing touch and vibrant color.

Step by Step Guide for Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells

Cooking Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells is a delightful journey, and I can’t wait to guide you through it! This recipe is all about layering flavors and ensuring a satisfying texture. Let’s dive into the steps that will lead to a delicious meal that your family will love.

1. Start by bringing a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to the package instructions until they’re al dente. Once done, drain the shells, and set them aside to cool slightly.

2. Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken, seasoning it with salt and the dried Italian seasonings. Cook for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink. Remove from heat and let it cool.

3. While the chicken cools, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the perfect temperature for baking our stuffed shells.

4. In a medium bowl, combine the cooled chicken with ricotta cheese, 1 cup of the shredded Mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, the egg, minced garlic, and salt. Mix everything together until well combined, creating a rich and creamy filling.

5. Now, it’s time to assemble! Pour 2 cups of the marinara sauce onto the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan. This will keep the shells moist while baking.

6. Use a spoon to fill each pasta shell with about 2 tablespoons of the chicken filling. Place the filled shells in the pan, ensuring they’re facing up to showcase their cheesy goodness.

7. Once all the shells are filled, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded Mozzarella cheese on top, followed by a generous dusting of Panko breadcrumbs for that extra crunch.

8. Cover the pan with nonstick foil, or spray the underside of the foil with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

9. After 20 minutes, carefully remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the Panko breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy.

10. Once out of the oven, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the deliciousness!

Tips and Variations

Cooking is all about creativity, and here are some tips and variations to make your Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells experience even more enjoyable!

• Storage: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They reheat beautifully in the oven!
• Freezing: You can freeze uncooked stuffed shells. Just assemble them, cover well, and freeze. Bake from frozen, increasing cooking time by about 10 minutes.
• Pairing: Serve with a simple side salad or garlic bread to round out the meal. A fresh green salad complements the richness of the shells well.
• Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix in different cheeses such as Fontina or Gouda for a unique flavor profile!
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a little heat!

Serving Options for Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells

There are so many wonderful ways to serve your Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells. Here are some ideas to elevate your dining experience:

• Family Dinner: Perfect for casual family dinners, it brings everyone together around the table to enjoy a hearty meal.
• Potlucks: These stuffed shells are a hit at potluck gatherings, where you can share your culinary creation with friends and family.
• Seasonal Occasions: Serve during cozy fall and winter months when comfort food is in high demand, making it a seasonal favorite.
• Garnish Wisely: Top with fresh basil or extra Parmesan cheese right before serving for an elegant touch.
• Storage Tips: Any leftovers can be stored in the fridge, covered, for three to four days, making it a convenient option for meal prep.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells brings a special warmth to any table, combining comfort and flavor in a way that few dishes can. I encourage you to try this recipe; it’s perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home. The delightful mix of cheesy filling, savory chicken, and tangy sauce is sure to become a new favorite in your household.

Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells

The ultimate comfort food, Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells is a creamy, cheesy delight that will satisfy your craving for something warm and hearty. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, these stuffed shells are an easy weeknight dinner that will impress everyone at the table. Make it tonight!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 32 shells

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 12 ounces jumbo pasta shells
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasonings
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 4 cloves garlic
• 4 cups marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• optional chopped parsley

Equipment

• Mixing Bowl
• Oven
• Large Pot
• Grater
• Skillet
• Frying Pan
• Chef's Knife
• Baking Sheet

Method

 

1. Start by bringing a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to the package instructions until they’re al dente. Once done, drain the shells, and set them aside to cool slightly.
2. Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken, seasoning it with salt and the dried Italian seasonings. Cook for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink. Remove from heat and let it cool.
3. While the chicken cools, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the perfect temperature for baking our stuffed shells.
4. In a medium bowl, combine the cooled chicken with ricotta cheese, 1 cup of the shredded Mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, the egg, minced garlic, and salt. Mix everything together until well combined, creating a rich and creamy filling.
5. Now, it’s time to assemble! Pour 2 cups of the marinara sauce onto the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking pan. This will keep the shells moist while baking.
6. Use a spoon to fill each pasta shell with about 2 tablespoons of the chicken filling. Place the filled shells in the pan, ensuring they’re facing up to showcase their cheesy goodness.
7. Once all the shells are filled, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded Mozzarella cheese on top, followed by a generous dusting of Panko breadcrumbs for that extra crunch.
8. Cover the pan with nonstick foil, or spray the underside of the foil with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
9. After 20 minutes, carefully remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the Panko breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy.
10. Once out of the oven, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the deliciousness!

Notes

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They reheat beautifully in the oven!

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Meet Violet Lane

The Creative Spark I see the kitchen as my art studio. I love experimenting with colors and textures, and I’m usually the one asking, “What if we added this?” I encourage the team to take risks and try new flavor combinations. I love the energy of cooking with six other people it’s chaotic, colorful, and inspiring. I’m hands-on with the cooking and styling, always trying to make our plates look as artistic as they taste.