This Chicken and Cream Cheese Pasta Shells recipe is a delightful dish that combines tender pasta shells with a creamy chicken filling. It’s a satisfying meal that is perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
The recipe is straightforward and utilizes basic cooking techniques. You can easily adjust the flavors by adding your favorite herbs or spices.
Delicious Chicken and Cream Cheese Stuffed Shells
These stuffed pasta shells are filled with a mixture of shredded chicken and cream cheese, then baked in a savory marinara sauce. The dish takes about 1 hour from start to finish and serves 4-6 people.
Ingredients
- 12 large pasta shells
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Stuff the Shells: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Fill each pasta shell with the chicken and cream cheese mixture.
- Assemble the Dish: Spread half of the marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Place the stuffed shells on top, then pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4-6 servings
- Calories: 450kcal
- Fat: 22g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 35g