Delicious Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe

Name: Delicious Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe
Prep time: 15 mins
Cook time: 20 mins
Total time: 35 mins
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 jumbo pasta shells; 2 cups cooked shredded chicken; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup marinara sauce; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

By: CALVIN ROURKE

Published: April 12, 2026

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Introduction

Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Shells are a comforting and delectable dish that brings the family together around the dinner table. These large pasta shells are generously filled with a creamy, cheesy chicken mixture, baked in a savory marinara sauce, and topped with bubbly mozzarella. Perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

It's quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Rich and creamy filling that is packed with flavor.
A kid-friendly dish that everyone in the family will enjoy!

Ingredients Overview

This recipe features simple yet delicious ingredients. The star, jumbo pasta shells, cradle a delightful filling made with shredded chicken, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, all combined with aromatic spices. The marinara sauce enhances the flavors while keeping the pasta moist during baking.

Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Shells ingredients preparation

Ingredients ready to go

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking these stuffed shells is a delightful process! Start by boiling the shells until they're just undercooked, ensuring they won't break when being filled. The creamy chicken mixture is a game changer, and baking it creates a beautiful bubbly cheese crust that adds to the overall enjoyment.

Cooking in progress

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Troubleshooting and Pro Tips

For best results, ensure your shells are cooked al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven. Additionally, if you have leftover filling, it can be baked in a small dish alongside the shells!

Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Shells finished dish

Ready to serve!

Storage, Reheating, and Making Ahead

Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze uncooked stuffed shells for up to 3 months; just bake from frozen, increasing the cooking time.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cheesy chicken stuffed shells with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley elevates the presentation too!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! It's a time-saver and adds great flavor.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

You can replace the chicken with sautéed vegetables or spinach and add more cheese for a delicious vegetarian option.

How can I make these shells spicier?

Add crushed red pepper flakes to the stuffing or use a spicy marinara sauce for some heat!

Delicious Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe

Make your dinner unforgettable with these Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Shells, packed with flavor and creamy goodness.

Prep Time 15 mins

Cook Time 20 mins

Total Time 35 mins

By: Calvin Rourke
Category: Chicken Recipes
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: Italian
Yield: 4 Servings
Dietary: None

Ingredients

01 12 jumbo pasta shells
02 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
03 1 cup ricotta cheese
04 1 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
05 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
06 1 cup marinara sauce
07 1 teaspoon garlic powder
08 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
09 Salt and pepper to taste
10 Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 02

Cook the jumbo shells according to package instructions until al dente, drain and set aside.

Step 03

In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until combined.

Step 04

Stuff each shell with the chicken mixture.

Step 05

Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.

Step 06

Place the stuffed shells on top of the sauce and pour the remaining marinara sauce over them.

Step 07

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.

Step 08

Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.

Step 09

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Notes

1 For extra flavor, consider adding spinach or mushrooms to the filling.
2 These stuffed shells can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before baking.

Tools You'll Need

Large pot for boiling pasta
Mixing bowl
Baking dish
Measuring cups and spoons
Foil

Calvin Rourke

My name is Calvin Rourke, and if you ask me when I first fell in love with cooking, I’ll tell you it was the summer I turned nine—right there in my grandmother’s warm Georgia kitchen, with the scent of peaches and butter hanging heavy in the air. She had a way of turning the simplest ingredients into something magical. That summer, she let me help her make peach cobbler from scratch. I remember standing on an old wooden stool, my small hands clumsily rolling dough while she hummed a tune from the radio. The crust was uneven, the filling spilled over the edge, but when we pulled it out of the oven, she looked at me and said, “Well now, that’s a masterpiece.” That’s when I knew—I wanted to cook for the rest of my life. More details about ? see About me page .

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