Easy Chicken Stuffed Shells (Recipe)

Are you looking for a comforting and satisfying meal that combines the richness of creamy chicken stuffed shells, then this recipe for stuffed shells with chicken is perfect for you.

This dish brings together tender chicken, creamy sauce, and jumbo pasta shells stuffed to perfection.

Are you planning a family dinner These creamy chicken stuffed shells will quickly become a favoruite in your recipe rotation.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love Chicken Stuffing Stuffed Shells

This stuffed chicken and pasta recipe is the ultimate comfort food. The creamy chicken filling is rich and flavourful, making each bite a delightful experience.

Plus, it’s a versatile dish that you can easily customize to suit your taste preferences.

Whether you’re a fan of traditional Italian flavours or looking to experiment with something new, these chicken and stuffing stuffed shells offer a perfect base to start with.

Ingredients for Chicken Stuffed Pasta Shells

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a look at the key ingredients you’ll need:

Jumbo Pasta Shells: These large pasta shells are perfect for stuffing. They hold the creamy chicken filling well, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavour.
Chicken: Cooked and shredded chicken is the star of this recipe. You can use leftover chicken or quickly cook up some boneless chicken breasts for this dish.
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese adds richness and creaminess to the filling, making it smooth and luxurious.
Shredded Cheese: A blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese not only adds flavour but also gives the dish that perfect cheesy texture.
Stuffing Mix: The stuffing mix adds a wonderful texture and flavor to the filling, making these stuffed chicken and pasta truly special.
Chicken Broth: This helps keep the filling moist and adds depth of flavor.
Cream of Chicken Soup: This ingredient enhances the creaminess and ties all the flavors together.
Herbs and Seasonings: Fresh herbs like parsley and seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper add a burst of flavor to the filling.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Stuffed Shells

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s get cooking! Follow these steps to create the most delicious and creamy chicken pasta shells you’ve ever tasted.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells

Start by cooking the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions. Make sure to cook them al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven.

Once done, drain and rinse the shells under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Filling

In a large bowl, combine the cooked and shredded chicken, cream cheese, shredded cheese, stuffing mix, and chicken broth. Add in the cream of chicken soup and mix everything together until well combined.

Season the filling with garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. If you like a bit of a kick, you can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Step 3: Stuff the Shells

Take each cooked pasta shell and carefully stuff it with the chicken mixture.

Be generous with the filling, ensuring each shell is packed with as much creamy goodness as possible. Place the stuffed shells in a greased baking dish, arranging them in a single layer.

Step 4: Add the Creamy Sauce

To make the dish even creamier, top the stuffed shells with additional cream of chicken soup thinned with a bit of chicken broth.

This will create a luscious sauce that coats the shells and keeps them moist as they bake.

Step 5: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake the chicken stuffed pasta shells for 30 minutes.

Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the shells are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.

Serve the creamy chicken pasta shells with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad to complete the meal.

Variations and Tips for the Best Shells and Chicken Recipe

Cheese Lovers: For an extra cheesy version, add more shredded cheese on top before baking.
Vegetable Additions: Mix in some sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the chicken filling for added nutrition and flavour.
Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble the stuffed shells a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Simply bake them when you’re ready to serve.