How to make chicken and stuffing stuffed shells

As autumn arrives, the air grows crisp and leaves turn. Nothing beats the warm, comforting smell of a homemade meal. These chicken and stuffing stuffed shells will fill you with peace and satisfaction.

Picture tender, shredded chicken mixed with herb-infused stuffing. It’s all wrapped in al dente pasta shells and covered in creamy Alfredo sauce. This mix of flavors will quickly become a family favorite.

Comforting Flavor Fusion

Enjoy the mix of creamy Alfredo sauce, soft pasta, and juicy shredded chicken with herb-infused stuffing in the chicken and stuffed shells recipe. It’s a perfect dish for family dinners or holiday meals.

The creamy stuffed shells offer a mix of textures and tastes. They are filled with chicken and stuffing, then covered in Alfredo sauce. Each bite is a mix of comfort and elegance.

Are you looking for a cozy dinner or a dish to impress? The chicken stuffed shells recipe is both delicious and satisfying. It’s a casserole-style pasta dish that combines the best of Italian and American flavors.

“The chicken and stuffing stuffed shells are a warm and inviting dish that will transport you to a comforting family gathering with every bite.”

Easy to Prepare

Making tasty, easy stuffed shells, quick stuffed shells, or a simple stuffed shells recipe is simple. This chicken and stuffing stuffed shells recipe is easy to follow. It lets you enjoy a cozy homemade meal without spending hours cooking.

You only need a few ingredients and a simple cooking method. This recipe uses 15 jumbo pasta shells, 2-3 cups of shredded cooked chicken, and 3 cups of marinara sauce. Plus, you’ll need other everyday pantry items.

The filling is made with creamy Alfredo sauce, chicken-flavored stuffing mix, and a bit of Greek yogurt. Just stuff the cooked shells, put them in a baking dish, and bake. In 20-22 minutes, you’ll have a tasty meal ready to eat.

If you’re short on time or like easy recipes, this easy stuffed shells, quick stuffed shells, or simple stuffed shells recipe is excellent. It’s perfect for a comforting and tasty dinner.

Ingredients and Substitutions

To make delicious chicken and stuffing stuffed shells, you’ll need a few key ingredients. You’ll need jumbo pasta shells, shredded chicken, and chicken-flavored stuffing mix. Also, cream of chicken soup, Alfredo pasta sauce, cheddar cheese, heavy cream, and Greek yogurt are needed. These ingredients come together to make a comforting, flavorful dish.

If you want to try something different, you can substitute cheese or stuffing flavors. You could use mozzarella or Parmesan cheese or try sage or cornbread stuffing. Adding spinach or mushrooms to the stuffing can also enhance the flavor.

IngredientApproximate Quantity
Jumbo Pasta Shells20 shells (with a few extra boiled in case of tearing)
Shredded Chicken2 cups
Chicken-Flavored Stuffing Mix1 package
Cream of Chicken Soup1 (10.5 oz) can
Alfredo Pasta Sauce1 (15 oz) jar
Cheddar Cheese2 cups, shredded
Heavy Cream1/2 cup
Greek Yogurt1/2 cup

Remember, the key to perfecting chicken and stuffing stuffed shells is to experiment. Try different ingredients and flavors to find what you like best.

Stuffing the Shells

The secret to making stuffed shells is in the filling. Start by cooking the jumbo pasta shells until they’re al dente. This keeps them firm when you fill them. Then, mix shredded chicken, stuffing mix, and Greek yogurt in a bowl. This creates a tasty filling.

Use a spoon to fill each shell with about two tablespoons of the chicken and stuffing mix. Place the stuffed shells in a casserole dish, side by side. This makes the dish look great.

IngredientQuantity
Jumbo Pasta Shells18-20
Shredded ChickenVariable
Prepared Stuffing MixVariable
Greek YogurtVariable

By stuffing the shells carefully and arranging them, you make a dish that’s both beautiful and delicious. Each bite will have the right mix of flavors and textures.

Chicken and Stuffing Stuffed Shells

Get ready to indulge in a comforting and flavor-packed dish with this chicken and stuffing stuffed shells recipe. This casserole combines the delicious tastes of savory chicken, herb-infused stuffing, and a creamy Alfredo-style sauce. All these are nestled inside tender pasta shells.

To start, the jumbo pasta shells are cooked until al dente. Then, they are generously filled with a mixture of shredded chicken and classic chicken-flavored stuffing. The stuffed shells are then arranged in a baking dish and smothered in a creamy sauce.

The sauce is made from a blend of Alfredo sauce, heavy cream, and Greek yogurt. The crowning glory of this dish is the melty layer of cheddar cheese on top. This creates a golden, bubbly crust that seals in all the baked chicken and stuffing stuffed shells goodness. Once baked to perfection, this creamy chicken stuffed shells casserole is ready to be served and savored by the whole family.

With its comforting flavors and easy-to-follow preparation, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a show-stopping dish to serve at your next gathering, chicken and stuffing stuffed shells are sure to delight and satisfy.

Nutrition FactsValue
Calories311 kcal
Carbohydrates33 g
Protein21 g
Fat10 g
Saturated Fat5 g
Cholesterol51 mg
Sodium691 mg
Potassium497 mg
Fiber2 g
Sugar5 g
Vitamin A605 IU
Vitamin C5.9 mg
Calcium211 mg
Iron1.6 mg

So, get ready to dive into a comforting and delicious chicken and stuffing stuffed shells dish. It will warm your soul and satisfy your taste buds.

Customizing and Variations

You can make the chicken and stuffing stuffed shells on your own. Try using different cheese types like mozzarella, Parmesan, or Gouda. You can also experiment with stuffing flavors like herb, sage, or cornbread.

Adding spinach or mushrooms to the stuffing can give it a unique taste. This way, you can make the dish truly yours.

Cheese Varieties

  • Mozzarella
  • Parmesan
  • Gouda
  • Gruyère
  • White Cheddar
  • Pecorino Romano

Stuffing Flavor Options

  1. Herb Stuffing
  2. Sage Stuffing
  3. Cornbread Stuffing

Additional Ingredients

  • Spinach
  • Mushrooms
  • Kale
  • Broccoli
  • Frozen Peas

There are countless ways to make stuffed shells. Feel free to customize the stuffed shells to your taste. Try out different stuffed shell recipe ideas to find your favorite.

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IngredientQuantity
Chicken Breast Strips1¼ lbs.
Cooked Bacon Strips8 strips
Mozzarella Cheese8 oz.
Parmesan Cheese4 oz.
Stuffed Shells40 shells

Serving Suggestions

Chicken and stuffed stuffed shells are a delightful meal. They pair well with many side dishes for a complete meal. Try serving them with:

  • Fresh green salad
  • Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus
  • Warm, crusty dinner rolls or garlic bread
  • A simple side of steamed broccoli or green beans
  • A creamy mashed potato or rice pilaf

The stuffed shells are also great as the main dish. They’re perfect for special occasions or family gatherings. Serve them with a light salad or Caesar salad for a complete meal.

Serving SuggestionDetails
Green SaladA fresh green salad with your choice of dressing complements the creamy shells perfectly.
Roasted VeggiesRoasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus add a pop of color and texture.
Dinner RollsWarm, crusty dinner rolls or garlic bread are great for sopping up the delicious sauce.
Steamed SidesSimple steamed broccoli or green beans make for a light and healthy accompaniment.
Potato or RiceCreamy mashed potatoes or a savory rice pilaf can round out the meal.

Whatever sides you pick, the chicken and stuffing stuffed shells will be the highlight. They offer comforting flavors in every bite.

Make-Ahead and Freezing

Prepare these chicken and stuffing stuffed shells ahead of time for a quick, comforting meal. You can assemble them in advance and freeze them before baking. Just thaw and bake when you’re ready.

Freezing these shells means you can have a homemade dinner ready on busy nights. It’s a stress-free way to enjoy a flavorful, family-friendly meal with little effort.

Freezing Instructions

  1. Assemble the stuffed shells as directed in the recipe.
  2. Place the unbaked stuffed shells in a disposable baking dish or a freezer-safe container.
  3. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
  4. Freeze the stuffed shells for up to 3 months.

To bake:

Bake without foil for 5-10 minutes to brown the cheese.

Thaw the shells in the fridge overnight.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (191°C).

Remove the foil and plastic wrap, and bake for 45 minutes covered.

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By making these make-ahead stuffed shells and freezing stuffed shells, you have a tasty stuffed shells freezer meal ready when you want it. Enjoy a homemade, comforting meal with minimal effort.

Storing and Reheating

Have you got leftover chicken and stuffing stuffed shells? You can store them for later. The trick is to keep them fresh. Let’s look at the best ways to store and reheat your shells.

Storing Leftover Stuffed Shells

Store leftover shells in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. This keeps them fresh and moist. Let them cool down before storing them.

Reheating Stuffed Shells

There are a few ways to reheat your shells:

  1. Microwave: Put shells on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second bursts until warm. Be careful not to overheat.
  2. Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Put shells in a dish, cover with foil, and bake for 15-20 minutes. Add chicken broth to keep them moist.

Watch the shells while reheating. You want to warm them up without drying them out.

Freezing Leftover Stuffed Shells

Freeze leftover shells for more extended storage. Place uncooked shells on a baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes. Then, put them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

To bake, put frozen shells in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about one hour. Add chicken broth or water if needed.

These tips help you enjoy your chicken and stuffing stuffed shells again. Proper storage and reheating keep the flavors and textures great.

Conclusion

Chicken and stuffed stuffed shells are a delightful mix of flavors. They satisfy your cravings for a comforting pasta dish. This recipe combines shredded chicken, herb-infused stuffing, creamy sauces, and melted cheese for a rich meal.

It’s perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or any occasion. This versatile dish will quickly become a favorite in your home.

The recipe is easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time. You can also freeze leftovers for later. This makes it great for busy nights or special events. Try different cheeses, stuffing flavors, or add-ins like spinach or mushrooms to make it your own.

Enjoy the rich flavors of this chicken and stuffing stuffed shells recipe. It’s a comforting and delicious pasta dish that combines the best of both worlds. Whether you love easy stuffed shells, baked stuffed shells, or just a hearty meal, this recipe is a must-try.

FAQ

What are the critical ingredients in chicken and stuffing stuffed shells?

The main ingredients are jumbo pasta shells, shredded chicken, and chicken-flavored stuffing mix. You’ll also need cream of chicken soup, Alfredo pasta sauce, cheddar cheese, heavy cream, and Greek yogurt.

How do I assemble the chicken and stuffing stuffed shells?

Start by cooking the jumbo pasta shells until they’re al dente. Next, mix shredded chicken, prepared stuffing mix, and Greek yogurt for the filling. Stuff each shell with about two tablespoons of the filling.

Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer in a casserole dish.

Can I customize the recipe for chicken and stuffing stuffed shells?

Yes, you can make the dish your own. Try different cheeses like mozzarella, Parmesan, or Gouda. Experiment with various stuffing flavors, such as herbs or sage.

You can also add spinach or mushrooms to the stuffing for extra flavor.

What sides pair well with chicken and stuffing stuffed shells?

These shells go great with many sides. Try a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, dinner rolls, or garlic bread.

Can I make the chicken and stuffing stuffed shells in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time and freeze it. Just thaw it before baking as instructed in the recipe.

How do I store and reheat leftover chicken and stuffing stuffed shells?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or bake the whole casserole at 350°F (175°C) until hot.

Adding a splash of chicken broth or water helps prevent the shells from drying out.

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