Creamy Chicken Threecheese Stuffed Shells
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Ever wondered how to turn plain old pasta into a showstopper? I certainly did. This Creamy Chicken & Cheese Stuffed Shells recipe is the answer.
It takes comfort food to a whole new level. Think of it as the ultimate comfort food chicken pasta bake.
A Little About This Gem
These jumbo stuffed shells recipe has Italian roots. It is a great dish for family get togethers. It is simple to prepare, taking around 1 hour and 25 minutes.
This recipe makes six servings. It is perfect for a cozy family dinner!
Why You'll Love It
Honestly, what’s not to love? It's packed with protein, thanks to the chicken and cheese. It also has carbs for energy.
Serve this at a Sunday supper or any special occasion. These shells stuffed are impressive and taste amazing. Plus, who can resist a creamy chicken pasta bake ?
Ready to dive in? Let's get started! You will need some pasta shells stuffed . The magic begins with quality ingredients.
Get those large shells ready. You are about to make something delicious, like chicken alfredo stuffed shells that are simple to reproduce.
Ingredients
Alright, here’s what you’ll need. Don’t be scared by the list. I promise it's all pretty straightforward.
- 1 (12 ounce/340g) package jumbo pasta shells
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (15ml)
- 1 teaspoon salt (5g)
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (approx. 300g)
- 1 (15 ounce/425g) container ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided (approx. 170g)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided (approx. 50g)
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (2.5g)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (1.25g)
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper (.625g)
- 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter (57g)
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour (30g)
- 3 cups milk (whole or 2% recommended) (710ml)
- ½ teaspoon salt (2.5g)
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper (1.25g)
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
- ½ cup heavy cream (120ml)
Let's Gather Our Gear for Creamy Chicken & Cheese Stuffed Shells
Alright, mate! Before we dive into making this ridiculously good Creamy Chicken & Cheese Stuffed Shells , let's make sure we have all the bits and bobs we need.
Honestly, getting everything sorted beforehand makes the whole process way less stressful. Trust me, I've been there!
Main Ingredients Rundown
- Jumbo Pasta Shells: 1 (12 ounce/340g) package . Go for the big ones, yeah? They're easier to stuff, and look proper impressive on the plate. You can totally find Pasta Shells Stuffed with anything, but we're doing chicken today!
- Cooked, Shredded Chicken: 2 cups (approx. 300g) . This is where the magic happens. If you're feeling lazy (like me, most of the time), grab a rotisserie chicken. Job done. I use a chicken leftover from Sunday dinner.
- Ricotta Cheese: 1 (15 ounce/425g) container . Gotta have the ricotta for that creamy, cheesy goodness. This is how you start making Ricotta Stuffed Chicken .
- Mozzarella Cheese: 1 ½ cups shredded, divided (approx. 170g) . We're talking proper cheese pulls here.
- Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup grated, divided (approx. 50g) . A bit of Parmesan gives it that umami kick.
- Egg: 1 large, lightly beaten . Helps bind everything together, like glue for food.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . It help to coat the Pasta Shells Stuffed and avoid stick them.
Flavour Boosters: Seasoning Notes
For this Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells recipe:
- Italian Seasoning: ½ teaspoon (2.5g) . That classic Italian flavour bomb.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced . Fresh is best, but garlic powder will do in a pinch.
- Salt & Pepper: To taste. Obvious, but essential! Start with the basics and adjust to your liking. Remember that Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake needs some love for the taste.
- Nutmeg: Just a pinch for that hint of warmth. It's like a secret ingredient!
Essential Equipment
Right, here's the gear we need for our Jumbo Stuffed Shells Recipe :
- Large Pot: For boiling the pasta, duh .
- Colander: Gotta drain those Shells Stuffed .
- Large Bowl: For mixing the chicken filling.
- 9x13 inch Baking Dish: For baking this masterpiece.
- Whisk: For the cream sauce no lumps allowed!
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: So you get the quantities right, yeah?
If you are making Baked Stuffed Shells with Chicken and find yourself without some tools, don't panic! A saucepan can work in place of a pot.
Use a big spoon instead of a whisk. We all make do, don't we? Now let's make some delicious Comfort Food Chicken Pasta! .
Getting Our Chef On: Making Creamy Chicken & Cheese Stuffed Shells
Oh my gosh, are you ready for some seriously comforting food? Today, we're diving headfirst into a plate of Creamy Chicken & Cheese Stuffed Shells, AKA Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells .
We're not just talking about any old Shells Stuffed dish, but a Chicken and Cheese Pasta Casserole that’s so good, it'll make you wanna slap yo' mama (but don’t, 'cause she probably gave you this recipe!).
I remember the first time I made this, I thought, "This is going to be a disaster," but honestly? It was surprisingly easy and the family devoured it.
It's a serious Comfort Food Chicken Pasta win! Plus this Jumbo Stuffed Shells Recipe makes you feel like you have accomplished something great.
Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Mission
Before we even think about turning on the oven, let's get organised. It's that "mise en place" thing the fancy chefs talk about.
Basically, chop your garlic, shred your chicken, and measure out all your ingredients. Seriously, this step saves you a ton of time and prevents that "Oh shoot, I'm out of mozzarella!" moment halfway through.
And safety first, right? Keep a clean work area, wash your hands and for godsake, don't lick the spoon.
Stuffing Shells, step-by-step: Let's Roll!
- Boil those Pasta Shells Stuffed beauties until they're al dente , about 8- 10 minutes . Don't overcook them! No one wants mushy shells.
- Mix your cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver), ricotta, 1 ½ cups mozzarella, ½ cup Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Boom, Ricotta Stuffed Chicken heaven.
- Make the cream sauce. Melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in 4 tablespoons of flour and cook for 1- 2 minutes . Gradually whisk in 3 cups of milk, then simmer until thick. Stir in salt, pepper, nutmeg, and ½ cup of heavy cream.
- Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Spoon that chicken mixture into each shell. This might get a little messy, but hey, that's part of the fun!
- Spread some cream sauce in the baking dish. Arrange the Shells Stuffed with chicken seam side up. Pour the rest of the sauce over and sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Bake for 35- 40 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Pro Tips for Maximum Yum!
Want to take these Baked Stuffed Shells with Chicken to the next level? I hear ya. A piping bag will make stuffing the shells SO much easier.
Also, don't be afraid to broil them for a minute or two at the end to get that extra cheesy, golden brown crust.
A common mistake? Overcooking the shells. Stick to that al dente guideline! If you're feeling organised, you can totally make these ahead of time and bake them later.
Just add 10- 15 minutes to the baking time.
This Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake is truly a winner, winner, chicken dinner! So, what are you waiting for? Go get cooking and make yourself a Stuffed Pasta Shells with Chicken and Cheese Sauce masterpiece.
Recipe Notes: Nitty Gritty Deets!
Right then, let's dive into those crucial recipe notes. Honestly, these bits are key for nailing this Creamy Chicken & Cheese Stuffed Shells recipe.
It's all about setting you up for success, yeah?
Plating Perfection: Show Off Your Jumbo Stuffed Shells Recipe !
Alright, picture this: you've slaved away making this Comfort Food Chicken Pasta . Don't just chuck it on a plate! Arrange those beautiful Pasta Shells Stuffed with creamy goodness artfully.
Maybe a sprinkle of fresh parsley? A drizzle of extra sauce? Serve it hot, right outta the oven, onto warmed plates, for that extra touch of poshness.
Pair this with a simple green salad, or maybe some garlic bread. For drinks? A crisp white wine or even a fancy lemonade will do the trick.
Storage Savvy: Keeping Your Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Safe!
Right, if you have leftovers and that's a big if here's the deal. For refrigeration, get them into an airtight container as soon as they're cool.
They're good in the fridge for about 3 days. You know, that classic fridge "best before" timeframe.
Freezing is an option, but bear in mind the texture might change a bit. The sauce can sometimes separate. Thaw completely in the fridge overnight before reheating. I'd avoid if you can!
Reheating? Oven’s best. Cover with foil and bake at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through. Microwave works in a pinch, but the shells might get a bit rubbery.
Variations: Swapping Things Up for Shells Stuffed Your Way!
Fancy a twist? Add some spinach and artichoke hearts to the filling. Bam! Instant Ricotta Stuffed Chicken upgrade. Or, if you're feeling spicy, chuck some red pepper flakes in the Chicken and Cheese Pasta Casserole .
For dietary needs, use gluten-free pasta shells and gluten-free flour for the sauce. Veggie? Swap the chicken for roasted veggies. It's your Baked Stuffed Shells with Chicken creation, so go wild!
Nutrition Nibbles: A Bit of Goodness With Your Stuffed Pasta Shells with Chicken and Cheese Sauce !
Each serving of this Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake is about 650-750 calories. You're getting a good whack of protein and carbs, too. Remember it's just an estimate!
Chicken and cheese? Great source of protein and calcium. Honestly, it's all about balance, isn't it? This is definitely a treat meal.
So there you have it! All the extra bits to make this Creamy Chicken & Cheese Stuffed shells recipe a total winner.
Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own! You got this.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the Creamy Chicken & Cheese Stuffed shells ahead of time? I'm a busy bee!
Absolutely! Assembling the Creamy Chicken & Cheese Stuffed shells ahead of time is a brilliant move. Just cover them tightly and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time, and you'll have a crowd pleasing dinner ready with minimal fuss.
Think of it as your secret weapon for a stress free weeknight!
My cream sauce is lumpy! Help! What did I do wrong, and how can I fix it?
Lumpy sauce can be a right pain, but don't worry, it happens to the best of us! It's likely that the flour wasn't fully incorporated into the butter (the roux) before adding the milk, or the milk was added too quickly.
You can often fix it by whisking vigorously over low heat or using an immersion blender to smooth it out. Next time, make sure your roux is smooth and add the milk gradually, whisking constantly. Keep calm and carry on cooking!
I'm watching my waistline. Are there any healthier swaps I can make in this Creamy Chicken & Cheese Stuffed recipe?
Definitely! You can lighten things up by using part skim ricotta and mozzarella, and swapping the heavy cream in the sauce for half and-half or even milk (although the sauce will be a bit thinner).
Using whole wheat pasta shells is another simple swap, and loading up on veggies like spinach in the filling adds nutrients and bulk without extra calories. Every little helps, eh?
How do I store leftover Creamy Chicken & Cheese Stuffed shells? Will they still taste good the next day?
Leftovers are great, aren't they? Store your Creamy Chicken & Cheese Stuffed shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They reheat beautifully in the oven (cover with foil to prevent drying out) or in the microwave.
The texture might be slightly softer, but the flavour will still be fantastic. It's like a tasty encore!
Can I freeze Creamy Chicken & Cheese Stuffed shells for later?
You can freeze this for up to 2-3 months! To freeze, let the cooked dish cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil, or place in a freezer safe container. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, around 20-30 minutes, covering with foil if it starts to brown too much. It might not be exactly as good as fresh, but it's still a great option for meal prep!
Creamy Chicken Threecheese Stuffed Shells
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 700 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 35g |
| Fiber | 3g |