Chicken Stuffed Shells

Chicken stuffed shells are a comforting baked pasta dish built around large pasta shells filled with a creamy, savory chicken mixture and baked gently in sauce. The shells act as a natural container, holding moisture and flavor while protecting the filling as it bakes. Each bite delivers tender pasta, seasoned chicken, and melted cheese in a way that feels satisfying without being overwhelming.

More Dinner Ideas

What makes chicken stuffed shells especially appealing is how familiar yet flexible the dish is. It borrows comfort from a classic stuffed shells recipe but adds heartiness from chicken, making it more filling and suitable as a complete meal. The flavor is rich but balanced, creamy without feeling heavy, and comforting enough for family supper recipes while still polished enough for guests.

People love chicken stuffed shells because they work across seasons and occasions. They fit naturally into spring food ideas dinner planning, casual weeknight fast dinners, and even easy casserole recipes easy Easter dinner ideas main courses. This is the kind of dish that earns a permanent place in a home cook’s rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Balanced flavor without heaviness
The filling is creamy and well-seasoned, but not overly rich. Using chicken as the base keeps the dish satisfying while allowing the cheese and sauce to enhance rather than dominate the flavor. Each shell delivers a complete bite that feels comforting but not overwhelming.
Reliable structure that bakes evenly
Large pasta shells hold the filling securely, which prevents dryness and helps the dish bake consistently. This structure makes chicken stuffed shells dependable for both small family meals and larger stuffed shells casserole presentations.
Practical for busy schedules
This recipe fits easily into fast dinners and easy dinner recipes stuffed shells fast dinner recipes collections. It can be assembled ahead, refrigerated, or frozen, then baked when needed without sacrificing texture or flavor.
Adaptable to many variations
The base recipe supports creative adjustments such as cheesy broccoli chicken stuffed shells, stuffed shells with chicken and stuffing, or rich chicken Alfredo stuffed shells. Once you learn the core method, you can adapt it to suit seasons, preferences, or what you have on hand.
Works for everyday meals and special occasions
Chicken stuffed shells feel casual enough for family supper recipes yet polished enough for guests. The presentation is neat, portions are easy to control, and the dish holds well on the table, making it ideal for gatherings and holiday meals.

Preparation and Cooking Time, also serving

Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6
Serving size: 4 to 5 stuffed large shells per person

Ingredients

Large pasta shells: 20 to 22 shells
Cooked chicken breast, finely chopped: 2 cups
Ricotta cheese: 1 cup
Mozzarella cheese, shredded: 1 1/2 cups divided
Parmesan cheese, finely grated: 1/2 cup
Cream cheese, softened: 4 ounces
Garlic, finely minced: 3 cloves
Italian seasoning: 1 1/2 teaspoons
Salt: 1 teaspoon or to taste
Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
Fresh parsley, finely chopped: 2 tablespoons
Egg: 1 large
Marinara sauce: 2 cups
Olive oil: 1 tablespoon

Substitution Notes

Rotisserie chicken works well and saves time
Cottage cheese can replace ricotta if blended smooth
Alfredo sauce can replace marinara for chicken Alfredo stuffed shell styles
Fresh spinach or broccoli can be added for health dinner recipes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the large pasta shells

Bring a large pot of water to a full boil and season generously with salt. Add the large pasta shells and cook until just tender but still firm. The shells should bend without tearing. Drain and lay them out on a lightly oiled surface so they cool without sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the chicken filling

In a large bowl, combine the chopped chicken, ricotta, cream cheese, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until the filling is smooth and evenly combined. Add the egg and parsley and stir just until incorporated.

Step 3: Fill the shells

Spoon the chicken mixture into each shell, filling them generously but not overpacking. The filling should sit neatly inside the shell without spilling over the edges. Set the filled shells aside as you work.

Step 4: Assemble the stuffed shells casserole

Spread one cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the filled shells in a single layer. Spoon the remaining sauce over the shells and sprinkle evenly with the remaining mozzarella cheese.

Step 5: Bake until perfectly set

Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly golden. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.

How to Serve

Chicken stuffed shells are best served warm, shortly after they come out of the oven, when the filling is creamy and the cheese is fully melted. For an appealing presentation, place the shells on wide plates or shallow bowls so they sit comfortably without overlapping. Spoon a little extra sauce from the baking dish over the shells and finish with a light sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or chopped parsley. This simple finishing touch adds freshness and makes the dish look intentional without requiring extra effort.

To build a complete meal, pair chicken stuffed shells with sides that balance their richness. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette, roasted seasonal vegetables, or sautéed greens work especially well. Garlic bread or a simple crusty loaf is a natural companion and helps make the most of the sauce. Whether served as part of family supper recipes or plated individually for guests, chicken stuffed shells fit easily into pasta dinner recipes and dinner ideas stuffed shells menus while remaining comforting and satisfying.

Additional Tips

Slightly undercook the shells so they finish cooking in the oven
Finely chopped chicken blends better than shredded chicken
Let the dish rest briefly after baking for cleaner serving
Avoid overfilling shells to prevent splitting during baking
Use a piping bag for faster, neater filling

Recipe Variations

Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Stuffed Shells
Add finely chopped, lightly steamed broccoli to the chicken filling to create cheesy broccoli chicken stuffed shells that feel balanced and hearty. The broccoli adds texture and freshness without overpowering the creamy base, making this variation ideal for family supper recipes and health dinner recipes that still feel comforting.
Taco Stuffed Shells With Chicken and Stuffing
Fold prepared stuffing into the filling to make stuffed shells with chicken and stuffing. This variation creates a softer, more nostalgic texture that works especially well for seasonal meals and comforting dinners. It is a great way to turn classic stuffing recipes into a baked pasta dish that feels familiar and filling.
Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
Replace the marinara sauce with a smooth Alfredo sauce and add a small amount directly into the filling for extra creaminess. This chicken Alfredo stuffed shell version is rich and indulgent, inspired by chicken Alfredo stuffed shells recipe Allrecipes and works well for special dinners or when you want a luxurious pasta night.
Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells
Mix a small amount of marinara into the filling and top the shells with extra Parmesan before baking. This variation echoes the flavors of chicken Parmesan stuffed shells recipe Allrecipes while keeping the structure of classic stuffed shells casserole.
Crockpot Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
Assemble the shells and cook them gently in a slow cooker with Alfredo sauce for a hands-off version inspired by chicken Alfredo stuffed shells crockpot. This method keeps the shells tender and the filling moist, making it ideal for busy days or make-ahead meals.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Freeze unbaked shells tightly wrapped for up to 2 months
Bake frozen shells covered until heated through, then uncover to brown
Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warm throughout

Nutritional Information

Calories: approximately 480 per serving
Protein: 32 grams
Fat: 24 grams
Carbohydrates: 38 grams
Fiber: 3 grams
Sugar: 5 grams

Final Words

Chicken stuffed shells are the kind of recipe that naturally becomes part of a home cook’s regular rotation because it delivers comfort without complication. The combination of tender large pasta, creamy chicken filling, and baked sauce creates a dish that feels thoughtfully made rather than rushed. It is familiar enough to please picky eaters, yet structured enough to feel intentional and satisfying every time it comes out of the oven.

Preparing chicken stuffed shells at home allows you to shape the dish around your needs and preferences. You can adjust the richness of the filling, incorporate vegetables for lighter health dinner recipes, or explore creamy versions that lean into classic pasta dinner recipes. The method remains consistent, which means once you understand the process, the recipe becomes dependable and easy to repeat with confidence.

Whether you are cooking for a quiet family supper, planning fast dinners for busy weeks, or assembling a dish ahead for guests, chicken stuffed shells offer reliability and comfort in equal measure. It is a recipe that rewards care without demanding perfection and continues to deliver warmth, structure, and satisfaction long after the first time you make it.

FAQ’s

Yes, rotisserie chicken works very well and saves time. Chop it finely for best texture.

Yes, assemble the dish completely and refrigerate until ready to bake.

They freeze well before baking and reheat evenly.

Marinara is classic, but Alfredo sauce works well for creamy variations.

Do not overcook the pasta and handle gently when filling.