Why Make This Recipe
Garlic Chicken Stuffed Shells are a delicious and comforting dish that everyone can enjoy. They are perfect for dinner or even a special occasion. This recipe brings together the rich flavors of chicken, garlic, and cheese, all wrapped in soft pasta shells. It’s an easy way to impress your family or friends without spending all day in the kitchen.
How to Make Garlic Chicken Stuffed Shells
Ingredients:
- 12 large pasta shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded chicken, chopped spinach, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the ricotta mixture.
- Spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Place the stuffed shells in the dish, seam side up.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells and sprinkle with mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve Garlic Chicken Stuffed Shells
Serve the Garlic Chicken Stuffed Shells hot, straight from the oven. You can add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or additional parmesan on top for extra flavor. Pair it with a simple salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that will surely satisfy.
How to Store Garlic Chicken Stuffed Shells
Store any leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep well for about 3 to 4 days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm, or you can microwave them for a quicker option.
Tips to Make Garlic Chicken Stuffed Shells
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta shells. They should be slightly firm since they’ll bake in the oven later.
- You can prepare the filling and stuff the shells ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
- Experiment with different cheeses, like gouda or cheddar, for a twist on the classic flavor.
Variation
You can easily customize this recipe by adding other vegetables such as mushrooms or bell peppers to the filling. For a spicy kick, consider adding some red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.
FAQs
1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken works great for this recipe. Just shred it and mix it with the other ingredients.
2. Can I make these stuffed shells vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can omit the chicken and add more vegetables, like zucchini or artichokes. You could also add beans for protein.
3. How can I freeze Garlic Chicken Stuffed Shells?
To freeze, assemble the stuffed shells and place them in a freezer-safe dish. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a bit more time to the cooking process.
Garlic Chicken Stuffed Shells
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 pieces large pasta shells
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
Filling
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded Pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken works well
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste salt and pepper
- Olive oil optional olive oil For drizzling
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded chicken, chopped spinach, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
Assembly
- Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the ricotta mixture.
- Spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Place the stuffed shells in the dish, seam side up.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells and sprinkle with mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
Baking
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
