Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe

Chicken stuffed shells are the ultimate comfort food—a perfect combination of creamy ricotta, juicy shredded chicken, and melted cheese, all stuffed into tender jumbo pasta shells and baked to perfection. This dish is a great option for family dinners, meal prep, or even special occasions, thanks to its rich flavor and satisfying texture.

Unlike traditional cheese-only stuffed shells, this recipe adds shredded chicken, making it heartier and more filling. Whether you use rotisserie chicken for convenience or cook your own, the result is a cheesy, creamy, and delicious pasta dish that everyone will love.

Chicken stuffed shells plated with sauce and basil

If you enjoy creamy, chicken-filled pasta dishes, you might also love this Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Rolls, another comforting baked pasta option.

This guide will cover everything you need to know to make the best chicken stuffed shells, including ingredient choices, step-by-step instructions, serving suggestions, and pro tips for achieving perfectly baked shells every time.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe
Ingredients for the Best Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe
Step-by-Step Recipe for Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe
Tips for the Best Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe
What to Serve with Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe
FAQs About Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe
Enjoying Your Homemade Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe

This Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe is a game-changer for pasta lovers. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect dish for family dinners, meal prep, or special occasions.

1. Creamy, Cheesy, and Flavorful

The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese creates a rich and creamy filling.
A choice of Alfredo or marinara sauce adds an extra layer of flavor.
The seasoned shredded chicken keeps the filling hearty and satisfying.

Looking for another rich and indulgent dish? Try this Cajun Chicken Shrimp Pasta, which offers a spicy twist on creamy pasta.

2. Easy-to-make stuffed shells recipe for busy weeknights

Prepare the stuffed shells a day in advance and refrigerate before baking.
Freeze the stuffed shells uncooked or fully baked for a quick meal later.

3. Perfect for Family Dinners & Special Occasions

This dish is a crowd-pleaser, making it great for gatherings.
Pairs perfectly with French Onion Pasta, another creamy, cheesy comfort meal.

Ingredients for the Best Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe

To make the best chicken stuffed shells, you’ll need a combination of tender pasta, creamy cheese, shredded chicken, and flavorful sauce. Each ingredient plays an important role in creating a rich and satisfying dish.

1. Jumbo Pasta Shells

Use jumbo-sized pasta shells to hold plenty of filling.
Cook them al dente so they don’t break while stuffing.

2. Shredded Chicken

Rotisserie chicken is a quick and easy option.
You can also cook and shred chicken breasts or thighs.
Season the chicken with garlic powder, Italian herbs, and black pepper for added flavor.

If you enjoy shredded chicken in comforting dishes, check out this Creamy Chicken and Rice for another cozy meal idea.

3. Cheese Blend (For a Rich & Creamy Filling)

Ricotta Cheese – The base for the creamy stuffing.
Mozzarella Cheese – Adds a gooey, melty texture.
Parmesan Cheese – Enhances the overall flavor with a sharp, salty kick.

4. Sauce Options (Customize to Your Taste)

Classic Marinara Sauce – Adds a tangy, tomato-based flavor.
Creamy Alfredo Sauce – Creates a rich and indulgent version.
Blended Sauce – A mix of Alfredo and marinara for the best of both worlds.

5. Seasonings & Garnishes

Garlic powder & onion powder – Essential for boosting flavor.
Italian seasoning – A perfect herb blend for pasta dishes.
Fresh basil or parsley – Adds color and freshness as a garnish.

Step-by-Step Recipe for Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe

Now that we have all the ingredients, it’s time to put everything together and bake the perfect chicken stuffed shells. Follow this simple step-by-step guide for a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dish.

Filling jumbo pasta shells with ricotta and chicken — Hand-stuffing jumbo pasta shells with a creamy ricotta mixture.

Ingredients

For the Filling:

2 cups shredded chicken (rotisserie or cooked chicken breasts)
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 large egg (helps bind the filling)

For the Pasta & Sauce:

20 jumbo pasta shells, cooked al dente
2 cups marinara or Alfredo sauce (or a mix of both)
½ cup extra mozzarella cheese (for topping)
2 tablespoons chopped parsley or basil (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add jumbo pasta shells and cook until al dente (slightly firm).
Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Filling

In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken, ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Add the egg and stir until well combined.

3. Stuff the Shells

Spread 1 cup of sauce on the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Fill each pasta shell with 2 tablespoons of the chicken and cheese mixture.
Place the stuffed shells into the baking dish.

4. Add More Sauce & Cheese

Pour the remaining sauce over the shells.
Sprinkle with extra mozzarella cheese for a melty topping.

5. Bake to Perfection

Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.
Remove foil and bake for 10 more minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

6. Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh parsley or basil on top.
Serve warm with garlic bread or a fresh salad.

Baking Time & Temperature Guide

Baking Stage	Temperature	Time
Covered Baking	375°F (190°C)	20 minutes
Uncovered Baking	375°F (190°C)	10 minutes

Tips for the Best Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe

To make sure your chicken stuffed shells recipe turns out creamy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked, follow these expert tips.

1. Cook the Pasta Shells Just Right

Boil the shells until al dente (firm but tender). Overcooking makes them too soft, causing them to break when stuffed.
After draining, rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.

2. Prevent Watery Stuffed Shells

Drain ricotta cheese using a paper towel if it has excess moisture.
Pat dry shredded chicken before mixing with the cheese filling.
Avoid adding too much sauce, as it can make the dish overly wet.

3. Use the Right Cheese Blend for Flavor

Ricotta adds creaminess, but for richer flavor, mix in cream cheese or mascarpone.
Mozzarella makes the shells melty and gooey.
Parmesan enhances the depth of flavor with a sharp, salty kick.

4. Stuff the Shells Evenly

Fill each shell with 2 tablespoons of the chicken and cheese mixture.
Overstuffing can cause the shells to split while baking.

5. Cover While Baking for Perfect Texture

Bake the shells covered with foil for the first 20 minutes to keep them from drying out.
Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and turn golden.

6. Make It Ahead for Meal Prep

Refrigerate assembled shells for up to 24 hours before baking.
Freeze unbaked stuffed shells for up to 3 months (thaw overnight before baking).

What to Serve with Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe

Chicken stuffed shells are a rich and creamy dish, so pairing them with the right side dishes helps create a balanced meal. Whether you want something light and refreshing or warm and comforting, here are the best options to serve with stuffed shells.

Chicken stuffed shells with garlic bread and salad — A full meal with chicken stuffed shells, garlic bread, and salad.

1. Garlic Bread – A Classic Side

The buttery, crispy texture of homemade garlic bread complements the creamy filling.
Try cheesy garlic bread for extra indulgence.

2. Fresh Green Salad – A Light Contrast

A simple salad balances the richness of the stuffed shells.
Best salad pairings:
- Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine with a tangy dressing.
- Italian Chopped Salad – Mixed greens, tomatoes, olives, and vinaigrette.

3. Roasted or Steamed Vegetables

Roasted asparagus, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts add a fresh, slightly crispy side.
Steamed broccoli or green beans work well for a lighter option.

4. Soup – A Warm Starter

A cup of soup is a great first course before diving into stuffed shells.
Best soup pairings:
- Tomato Basil Soup – A smooth, creamy contrast to the pasta.
- Minestrone – A veggie-packed option for a hearty meal.

5. Wine Pairings for an Elegant Dinner

White Wine: A crisp Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio pairs well with the creamy filling.
Red Wine: A light-bodied Chianti or Pinot Noir enhances the tomato-based sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe

Even simple recipes like chicken stuffed shells can go wrong if you’re not careful. Avoid these common mistakes to ensure your dish comes out perfectly creamy, cheesy, and flavorful every time.

1. Overcooking the Pasta Shells

Cook shells until al dente (firm but tender) to prevent them from falling apart when stuffed.
Rinse them with cold water after draining to stop the cooking process.

2. Not Draining Ricotta Properly

Ricotta cheese can be watery, making the filling too thin.
Drain excess moisture by pressing ricotta with a paper towel before mixing.

3. Using Too Much or Too Little Filling

Overstuffing can cause shells to burst open while baking.
Underfilling makes the dish less satisfying—aim for 2 tablespoons per shell.

4. Adding Too Much Sauce

While sauce is important, too much can make the shells soggy.
A thin layer of sauce at the bottom and a light drizzle on top is best.

5. Skipping the Baking Cover

Covering the dish with foil for the first 20 minutes keeps the shells moist and prevents drying out.
Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to get a bubbly, golden cheese topping.

6. Not Letting the Dish Rest Before Serving

Let the shells rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps the filling set so it doesn’t spill out when sliced.

FAQs About Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe

What to serve with chicken stuffed shells?

Chicken stuffed shells pair well with garlic bread, fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or a warm bowl of soup. A crisp white wine like Chardonnay or a light red wine like Pinot Noir also complement the flavors perfectly.

How many stuffed shells per person?

A good serving size is 3-4 stuffed shells per person for a hearty meal. If serving with side dishes, 2-3 shells per person should be enough.

How to make ricotta stuffed chicken?

To make ricotta-stuffed chicken, mix ricotta, parmesan, mozzarella, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, then stuff the mixture inside butterflied chicken breasts. Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.

How do you keep stuffed shells from being watery?

To prevent watery stuffed shells:
Drain ricotta cheese with a paper towel before mixing.
Pat dry shredded chicken to remove excess moisture.
Avoid too much sauce, as it can make the dish soggy.

Enjoying Your Homemade Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe

Chicken stuffed shells are the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors, making them a family favorite and a great meal for special occasions. Whether you choose marinara, Alfredo, or a mix of both sauces, this dish is incredibly satisfying and easy to prepare.

To recap, here’s how to make the best chicken stuffed shells recipe:

Use al dente pasta shells to prevent breaking.
Drain ricotta cheese and pat dry shredded chicken to avoid watery filling.
Stuff evenly with the perfect blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan.
Cover while baking, then uncover for a golden, bubbly top.
Pair with garlic bread, salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

This recipe is also make-ahead friendly—you can refrigerate, freeze, and reheat it for a quick and delicious meal anytime.