Chicken Stuffed Shells: A Delicious and Satisfying Recipe

This recipe for chicken stuffed shells offers a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. We'll cover everything from prepping the ingredients to baking the perfect, cheesy stuffed shells. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this crowd-pleasing dish!

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe yields approximately 8 servings. Adjust quantities as needed.

For the Filling:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

For the Shells:

• 1 (15 ounce) package jumbo pasta shells
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

For the Sauce (Optional, but highly recommended):

• 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken Filling:

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
• Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
• Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
• Remove from heat and stir in the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and parsley.

2. Cook the Pasta Shells:

• Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.

3. Assemble and Bake the Stuffed Shells:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Spread a thin layer of your chosen sauce (marinara is ideal) in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
• Fill each cooked pasta shell with the chicken filling. Arrange the filled shells in the prepared baking dish.
• Top the stuffed shells with the remaining sauce and the shredded mozzarella cheese.

4. Bake to Perfection:

• Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown, and the shells are heated through.

5. Serve and Enjoy!

• Let the stuffed shells rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly, making them easier to handle. Serve immediately and enjoy this delicious and satisfying meal!

Tips and Variations:

• Add Vegetables: Enhance the filling with sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the filling for extra heat.
• Use Different Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone, fontina, or a blend of your favorites.
• Make it Ahead: You can assemble the stuffed shells ahead of time and bake them just before serving. Store the assembled dish, uncovered, in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
• Freezing Instructions: Assemble the stuffed shells and freeze them unbaked in a freezer-safe container. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed, adding about 15-20 minutes to the baking time.

This comprehensive guide ensures you create the most delicious and perfectly baked chicken stuffed shells. Remember to share your culinary creations and tag us! Enjoy!