Cheesy And Creamy Chicken Shells Pasta

Cheesy And Creamy Chicken Shells Pasta Recipe is a deliciously rich and hearty dish made with tender chicken, creamy sauce, and jumbo pasta shells filled with cheesy goodness. It serves 6 and takes about 40 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for family meals.

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🧡 Why You’ll Love This Cheesy And Creamy Chicken Shells Pasta Recipe:

Rich and Comforting: The combination of creamy sauce and cheesy filling is pure comfort food.
Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, it’s a crowd-pleaser.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dish in advance and bake when ready to serve.
Perfect for Gatherings: A hearty and visually appealing dish that’s ideal for parties or potlucks.

❓ What Is Chicken Shells Pasta Recipe?

Cheesy And Creamy Chicken Shells Pasta Recipe is a baked pasta dish featuring jumbo shells stuffed with a cheesy chicken filling, smothered in a creamy sauce, and baked to perfection. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.

🍗 Ingredients:

12 oz jumbo pasta shells
1 tsp salt
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley or extra mozzarella cheese

🍝 Instructions:

Boil jumbo pasta shells in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.
In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant, then add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of sauce in a baking dish.
Fill each pasta shell with the chicken and cheese mixture, then place in the dish. Pour the remaining sauce over the shells.
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle extra mozzarella on top, and bake for another 10 minutes until golden and bubbly. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

📍 Recipe Tips

Cook Shells Al Dente: Slightly undercook the pasta shells as they will continue to cook in the oven with the sauce.
Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for the filling.
Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to thin it out.
Add Vegetables: Include spinach or finely chopped broccoli in the filling for extra nutrition.
Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the filling or sauce for a spicy kick.

🥗 What To Serve With Chicken Shells Pasta?

Cheesy And Creamy Chicken Shells Pasta pairs wonderfully with garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini for a hearty meal, serve it alongside a creamy soup or a refreshing sparkling beverage.

🎚 How To Store Leftover Chicken Shells Pasta?

Refrigerator: Store leftover chicken shells pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to enjoy the creamy texture.
Freezer: Freeze unbaked or baked leftover chicken shells pasta in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating.

🥵 How To Reheat Leftover Chicken Shells Pasta?

In The Oven: Cover leftover chicken shells pasta with foil and heat at 350°F (175°C) for up 3-4 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of milk or cream to prevent drying out.
In The Microwave: Place a portion of leftover chicken shells pasta in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of milk cover and heat for up 2-5 minutes stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I make Cheesy And Creamy Chicken Shells Pasta less rich?

Yes, you can make Cheesy And Creamy Chicken Shells Pasta lighter by using low-fat ricotta cheese, reduced-fat cream, and a smaller amount of Parmesan. You can also replace heavy cream with milk or a dairy-free alternative for a less indulgent version.

What type of pasta shells should I use for Chicken Shells Pasta?

Jumbo pasta shells are ideal for Cheesy And Creamy Chicken Shells Pasta because their large size makes them easy to fill. Ensure the shells are cooked al dente so they hold their shape during baking.

Can I use store-bought pasta sauce for Chicken Shells Pasta?

Yes, store-bought Alfredo or cream-based pasta sauce can be used in Chicken Shells Pasta if you want to save time. However, homemade sauce provides a fresher and richer flavor.

What cheeses work best in Chicken Shells Pasta?

Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan are the best cheeses for Chicken Shells Pasta. Ricotta adds creaminess, mozzarella provides a gooey texture, and Parmesan enhances the flavor with its nutty profile.

How do I prevent Chicken Shells Pasta from drying out during baking?

To keep Chicken Shells Pasta moist, cover the dish with foil during the first part of baking. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to allow the cheese to brown and bubble.

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Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 Serving

Calories: 480
Total Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 105mg
Sodium: 680mg
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 28g