Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe: Easy & Extra Cheesy

Introduction:

There’s something incredibly comforting about pulling a hot dish of stuffed shells from the oven. When you make this creamy chicken stuffed shells recipe, you’re not just putting together a meal—you’re creating a warm moment that brings everyone to the table. If you’ve been looking for a Chicken Stuffed Shells recipe that’s rich, simple to make, and packed with flavor, this dish will quickly become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe

• Easy to prepare even when you’re busy
• Packed with creamy, cheesy flavor
• Great for weeknight dinners or entertaining
• Works with rotisserie, leftover, or cooked chicken
• Easily customizable, including a buffalo chicken version

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients Table

• 20–25 jumbo pasta shells
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 2 cups marinara or Alfredo sauce
• ¼–½ cup buffalo sauce (optional)

Timing Recipe:

• Prep ingredients (cook chicken, boil pasta shells, mix cheeses): 15 min
• Preheat oven: 5 min
• Stuff pasta shells with chicken mixture: 10 min
• Bake in oven: 20–25 min (until cheese is melted and bubbly)
• Rest before serving: 5 min
• Total time: ~55 min

How to Make Chicken Stuffed Shells (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells

Cook the jumbo shells in salted boiling water until they’re just tender.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Chicken Filling

In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, ricotta, cream cheese, half the mozzarella, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
If you’re making buffalo chicken stuffed shells, add buffalo sauce to the mixture now.

Step 3: Stuff the Shells

Spoon the filling into each cooled shell. You can also use a piping bag or zip bag for faster stuffing.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

Pour a layer of marinara or Alfredo sauce into a baking dish. Place the stuffed shells in a single layer, spoon additional sauce over them, and top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.

Step 5: Bake

Bake the dish at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and the edges are bubbling. Allow the stuffed shells to rest a few minutes before serving.

Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells Option

To make a buffalo version:

• Add buffalo sauce to the filling
• Replace marinara with ranch or a creamy buffalo sauce
• Drizzle ranch or blue cheese dressing after baking

Tips for Perfect Stuffed Shells

• Boil the pasta shells until just al dente to prevent them from tearing.
• Toss the cooked shells with a small amount of oil to keep them from sticking together.
• Combine different cheeses for extra flavor
• Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds tenderness
• Let the dish rest after baking for easier serving

Healthier Alternatives

• Swap ricotta for cottage cheese
• Use light cream cheese
• Choose whole-wheat shells
• Use grilled or baked chicken instead of rotisserie

Serving Suggestions

These sides pair perfectly with your chicken stuffed shells:

• Garlic bread or garlic knots
• A crisp green salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Ranch or blue cheese dressing (buffalo version)

FAQ: Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe

Conclusion

This creamy chicken stuffed shells recipe gives you a cheesy, comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and always satisfying. Whether you stick to the classic version or switch to buffalo chicken stuffed shells, you’ll have a meal that feels cozy, flavorful, and homemade. It’s a recipe you’ll want to save and remake often.