Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells Recipe

If hearty Italian comfort food is what you’re craving, Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells might just become your new obsession. Plump pasta shells overflowing with juicy chicken, creamy ricotta, vibrant marinara, and gooey mozzarella make every bite absolutely irresistible. This dish combines two classic favorites—chicken parm and stuffed shells—into one cheesy, saucy masterpiece that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion when you want to wow your guests effortlessly. You won’t believe how satisfying and easy it is to bring these Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells to your table!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of kitchen staples, you can create a dish with layers of flavor and irresistible appeal. Each ingredient plays a crucial part, making the shells tender, the filling rich, and the cheese perfectly melty.

• Jumbo pasta shells: Large shells are the perfect vehicles for holding all that delicious filling—make sure they’re cooked just al dente for best results.
• Cooked chicken breast: Shredded or diced rotisserie chicken makes dinner quick, easy, and flavorful—plus, it absorbs all those wonderful seasonings.
• Ricotta cheese: Creamy ricotta creates a luscious base for the filling and adds a classic Italian flavor.
• Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan brings a nutty, salty depth that ties the whole dish together.
• Mozzarella cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella melts beautifully and delivers that iconic cheese pull everyone loves.
• Egg: One egg binds the filling together for a satisfyingly rich texture.
• Marinara sauce: Use your favorite jarred or homemade marinara for saucy goodness in every bite.
• Garlic powder and Italian seasoning: These staples amp up the flavor, giving the filling zest and savoriness.
• Salt and pepper: Season as you go to bring out every ingredient’s best.
• Fresh basil or parsley (optional): A sprinkle of fresh herbs adds gorgeous color and a pop of freshness to the finish.

How to Make Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells

Start by boiling your jumbo pasta shells in generously salted water just until al dente—they’ll continue cooking in the oven. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain, rinse with cold water, and lay them out on a baking sheet so they don’t stick together while you prep the filling.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a large bowl, combine your cooked chicken, ricotta, half the mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until you have a creamy, cohesive mixture that smells absolutely divine—don’t be afraid to taste for seasoning and adjust as needed.

Step 3: Stuff the Shells

Fill each shell generously with the chicken and cheese mixture, using a spoon or even your hands if you want to be extra precise. A heaping tablespoon per shell usually does the trick. Set each filled shell aside as you go, arranging them seam-side up for maximum filling.

Step 4: Assemble in the Baking Dish

Spread a generous layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of your baking dish—this keeps everything saucy and prevents sticking. Nestle in the filled shells, then cover them with more marinara and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Every shell should be cozily coated in cheese and sauce for that perfect melt.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Loosely cover your dish with foil and bake at 375°F for about 25 minutes, then uncover for the last 10 minutes so the cheese gets gorgeously bubbly and golden. Once finished, let the Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells stand for a few minutes—this helps everything set and makes serving a breeze.

How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells

Garnishes

Add a little extra flair by showering your Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells with fresh basil or parsley, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, and even a drizzle of olive oil for a glossy touch. These small details make your meal feel restaurant-worthy and add a pop of freshness to every forkful.

Side Dishes

Pair these stuffed shells with a vibrant Italian salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette, or serve with classic garlic bread for swooping up all that flavorful sauce. Roasted vegetables or steamed green beans also make lovely, lighter companions to balance out this hearty entrée.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the shells in individual ramekins for each guest, or plate them in a spiral pattern for a show-stopping centerpiece. Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells also shine as part of a buffet spread—just offer extra warm marinara and cheese on the side for topping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra shells, simply transfer them to an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to four days. The flavors deepen as they sit, making leftovers an extra-special treat for lunch or a speedy dinner the next day.

Freezing

To freeze Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells, assemble the dish right up to the point of baking, then cover tightly with foil. Freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake straight from frozen (add extra time to account for the chill), or thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

Reheat portions in the microwave with a splash of marinara for moisture, or pop the entire baking dish back in the oven, covered, at 350°F until hot and bubbly. Add an extra sprinkle of cheese before reheating for maximum gooeyness.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut—just shred it up and use it in place of cooked chicken breast. It’s flavorful, moist, and makes prep much faster.

What type of marinara sauce is best?

Your favorite jarred marinara will work perfectly, or try homemade if you have a cherished recipe. San Marzano tomato-based sauces add a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the rich filling.

Can I make Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells ahead of time?

Yes—assemble the shells and sauce in your baking dish, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This is ideal for busy evenings or when entertaining guests.

Are there gluten-free options for this recipe?

Definitely! Seek out gluten-free jumbo shells at specialty stores or online—they hold up well and are just as delicious when stuffed and baked with the classic filling.

Can I add vegetables to the filling?

Certainly—chopped spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted red peppers blend seamlessly into the filling for extra nutrition, color, and flavor without changing the character of Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells are a joyful blend of comfort, flavor, and cheesy goodness that never fails to impress. Give them a try—your friends and family will be asking for seconds, guaranteed!

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