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Cheesy Chicken Shells — The Ultimate Creamy, Comforting Pasta Bake


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  • Author: Janet Reynolds
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4–6 servings

Description

Cheesy Chicken Shells is the ultimate creamy comfort food pasta bake featuring shredded chicken, jumbo pasta shells, and a rich cheese blend. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or freezing ahead. This easy chicken pasta recipe is satisfying, flavorful, and kid-approved.


Ingredients

20 jumbo pasta shells

2 cups cooked shredded chicken

4 oz cream cheese

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

¾ cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper


Instructions

1. Boil jumbo pasta shells in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.

2. In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream cheese, ricotta, ¾ cup mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until creamy.

3. Fill each cooked shell with the chicken cheese mixture and place into a greased baking dish.

4. In a small saucepan, warm the heavy cream with a pinch of garlic powder and salt. Pour evenly over the stuffed shells.

5. Top the shells with the remaining mozzarella and some extra Parmesan.

6. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.

7. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

This recipe works beautifully with leftover rotisserie chicken.

You can make the dish ahead and refrigerate before baking.

Add spinach or sautéed mushrooms to the filling for extra flavor.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion (based on 6 servings)
  • Calories: 495
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 520mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 16g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 105mg