Chicken Stuffed Shells with Cream Cheese – Luscious, Cheesy and Easy To Cook

This chicken stuffed shells with cream cheese recipe will definitely make you happy as it has cheesy and creamy chicken pasta! Chicken stuffed shells with cream cheese is certainly one pan perfectly flavored dish that is inexpensive and simple to prepare and cook. If you are in need of a family dish or a quick recipe to entertain guests, this one surely has all the abilities to be your new favorite dish.

Instead, we are replacing Italian classic stuffed shells with the modern Australian creation where chicken and cream cheese fill up the shell and deliver all the goodness of a chicken cream cheese stuffed shell. Thus, keep reading as the aim is to understand how this delicious food is made along with some tips and alterations to make the food more appealing according to your preferences.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s so much to love about this creamy chicken stuffed shells recipe! Here’s why it’s bound to become a hit in your household:

1. Easy But Delicious: It is all very simple ingredients but puts it all together in a nice taste. The fluffy chicken filling accompanied by a layer of melted cheese with marinara covering just ensures that every single bite is an experience.

2. Suitable for all ages: And the kid will enjoy it and the adult will enjoy it too. It’s such an enjoyable dish which can be served on family meals or gatherings because of its great balance of taste and the amount of cheese.

3. Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a more special event, these stuffed shells fit the bill. It can also be prepped ahead, making it a versatile choice for meal planning.

4. Flexible: The best thing is that this recipe can always be modified by adding more vegetables or changing the type of cheese or even the sauce. What’s not to love for the pasta cream lovers who want something different!

Ingredients Overview

Let’s quickly discuss the components you will use in the creamy chicken stuffed shells. The best advantage in this particular cuisine can be found in a mixture of ingredients which seems uncomplicated but has a very distinct taste:

A precise measure of items needed to prepare Chicken Stuffed Shells with cream cheese is as follow:

Ingredients

• Empty jumbo shells – 20-25 shells (for stuffing)
• Grilled chicken – 2 cups
• Cream cheese – 8 oz (1 package) – softened
• Mozzarella cheese – 2 cups, grated (divided)
• Parmesan cheese – ½ cup, finely shredded
• Marinara sauce – 2 cups
• Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
• Italian Seasoning – 1 teaspoon
• Oregano, basil and thyme herbs combined for exquisite taste.
• Salt and Pepper – for taste preference

Optional:

• Spinach – 1 cup, boiled and minced, (in case you decide to put in some vegetables to the filling.
• Bacon: ½ cup, crumbled after cooking

These simple yet flavorful ingredients come together to make a creamy and cheesy chicken-stuffed shell dish perfect for family dinners!

Chicken Stuffed Shells with Cream Cheese-step by step preparation guide

Making these creamy chicken stuffed shells is much simpler if you pay attention to the instructions that follow the guide below:

Step 1: Turn on the oven

Prepare the oven to 375°F (which is around 190 degrees Celsius). Remember to grease the oven dish before making use of it as it is rather a big one. This will ensure that the shells do not stick to one another and get a messy look when baked.

Step 2: Boil the Jumbo Pasta Shells

Put some water and salt in a different big saucepan and set it over a flame. While waiting for the water to come to a rolling boil, head over to the package of pre-cooked jumbo pasta shells and get instructions on how long to cook them. Be sure to only make them al dente so as they are not softened enough to crack once stuffed with the filling. Once you are done with the shells, make sure to place them under water so that they don’t overcook.

Step 3: Combine Chicken and Cheese ingredients

In a large bowl, take the shredded cooked chicken with one cubed cream cheese, half the mozzarella cheese, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined.

Step 4: Fill the shell with stuffing

Now allow the pasta shells to cool until you can touch them. Spoon some of the cream-cheese and chicken mixture and place it into the shells. Don’t skimp on the filling but also do not fill the shells to the point where they crack.

Step 5: Compose the dish and finish it off with sauce

Marinara sauce can be poured in a moderate amount at the base of a baking dish which is prepared by oiling a shell. Place the paddings in the pan; at this time the order is single row stacks. Pour over the shells the sauce of the same type that was poured over the paddings of the shells before the preparation of the shells before the rows were placed in the pan.

Step 6: Sprinkle some cheese on the top and Bake

Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the remaining cheeses and parmesan cheese over the castellan in the form of small cut granules. Cover the foil and insert into the oven for 20 minutes. Thereafter remove the covering and cook further for 10 to 15 minutes more until the bubbles appear and the surface turns light brown.

Step 7: Present the dish and have a nice time!

Wait for few minutes after taking the shells out of the oven and then serve, it is advisable to top the dish with some cool toppings. These shells of creamy gooey stuffed will create a lovely supper and would pair well with sauces you enjoy!

Pro Tips for the Best Stuffed Shells

The pasta shells should be cooked until they are al dente: The pasta shells could lose even more of their firmness and develop further expansion during the baking phase, so this should be watched out for: do not overcook them. While stuffing them, it is better to try it with the shape of the shell of pasta since it is more effective than using a filling that is too liquid, which soaks the shell and causes it to inflate.

The cream cheese should be removed from the refrigerator before use: Also, when preparing the stuffing for the crepes, there should be softened cream cheese available. The benefited cream cheese mixtures will be able to spread easily because they are well combined.

The dish should not be prepared too densely: Some space should be left between the stuffed shells and also between the stuffed shells and the side wall of the baking dish. If any of these two distances are missing or inadequate, then the shells and the filling may not be able to cook properly from all sides. If a vessel has too many items along with filling in it, the filling can suffer from even browning.

Reheating refrigerated or frozen shells for serving: These shells can be placed in an oven kept at 175 degrees Celsius for about fifteen to twenty minutes with the shells covered with foil. If necessary, microwaving individual servings may be done if portions are packed separately.

Variations You Might Want to Try

Without a doubt, the original chicken stuffed shells with cream cheese are appetizing but the following are some alternatives to try as well:

Chicken Bacon Stuffed Shells

Stuffed shells filled with chicken bacon are no longer only stuffed shells. It is a sophisticated and lively combination of chicken and cream cheese filling, coupled with crispy bacon with a subtle smoky flavor. Each shell is stuffed with tender shredded chicken, cream cheese, and bacon bits. They are then baked with mozzarella and either marinara sauce or Alfredo sauce. It is savory and perfectly suits the comforting creamy and cheesy flavorful dish with some saltiness from the bacon. This is really great for both weeknight dinners and special occasions

Healthy Chicken Stuffed Shells

Healthy Chicken stuffed shells are a great alternative to the classical meal, they are not heavy and still provide great taste and comfort. By utilizing whole wheat jumbos as the shells, using lean meat of shredded chicken, using low fat cream cheese and adding spinach to the stuffing, it manages to be healthy but creamy and filling. Fiber rich whole wheat pasta paired with protein rich shredded chicken ensures that this dish works well for all those looking to eat a healthier version of a pasta dish. Smothered with an appropriate amount of mozzarella and an easy homemade marinara sauce, these stuffed shells may be prepared guilt free for any occasion.

Shredded Chicken Stuffed Shells

A delicious chicken feast doesn’t get better than this: tender chicken enclosed in a gorgeous pasta – the Shredded Chicken Stuffed Shells. These jumbo shells come with a great serving of shredded chicken inserted into a tasty combination of mozzarella cream cheese. It’s awesome and very satisfying. The soft stuffed pasta is followed by delectable coated chicken along with a bright marinara sauce and sprinkled with cheese. This simple dish is perfect for family get-togethers, go-to meals for the week or any celebration that requires meat and cheese in satisfying portions.

What to Serve with Chicken Stuffed Shells

Are you still wondering what to blend with this rich and cheesy meal? We offer three options that will come in handy in finishing this meal.

• Garlic Bread: A complimentary item that is best used for mopping up the remaining marinara sauce. It has a crunchy skin while soft on the inside.
• Caesar Salad: This delectable addition to the restorative shells, lettuce, and carrots in a crisp, fresh Caesar salad are ideal in enhancing the dessert.
• Roasted Vegetables: Accompany with roasted pieces of broccoli, and zucchini or carrot sticks to add healthy and aesthetic value to the meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I freeze chicken stuffed shells?

Definitely! You can freeze chicken stuffed shells either prior to baking them or after they have been cooked. If you choose to freeze uncooked chicken stuffed shells, follow the instructions but cover with foil tightly and place in the freezer. If you are going to be baking from frozen, then increase the baking time by 20 minutes to 30 minutes.

How do I store leftovers?

Leftover portions will keep safely in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for a period not exceeding 3 days. To warm the dish, you may either wrap it in foil or put it in an oven, or you can put individual portions in a microwave.

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, of course! Using rotisserie chicken is efficient because it is a time-saver and also adds great flavor.

Can I use other cheeses besides cream cheese?

Indeed, You can use ricotta or cottage cheese, or a mixture of several cheeses instead.

Conclusions and Recommendations

This stuffed shells with chicken cream cheese filling recipe is simply amazing. With its cream filling, melted cheese, and marinara sauce on the side, it is a popular house dish. If you prepare these stuffed shells at home for the family or for a dinner party, you will be sure to win praise.

Try this recipe in your kitchen, and kindly inform me how you fare in the comment box below. Also make sure to look at the rest of my pasta recipes for other satisfying ideas on how to prepare the meal. Enjoy cooking!

For more recipe ideas to pair with this dish, check out my other pasta and side dish recipes here on the blog.

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