Chicken Stuffed Shells

Looking for a great weeknight dinner? These scrumptious Chicken Stuffed Shells are filled to the brim with shredded chicken, three kinds of cheese, and topped with your favorite pasta sauce. Ready in an hour or less, these stuffed pasta shells deserve a place in your “Favorite Meals” list!

Stuffed shells are surprisingly easy to make, yet deliver a filling, hearty meal the whole family loves. Plus, they make great leftovers for lunch the next day, or for a catch-up meal later in the week.

If you’re not a fan of ricotta cheese, you can substitute low-fat cottage cheese instead. This option adds protein, but some prefer the texture or flavor. You can even put the cottage cheese in a blender or food processor first before mixing it with the rest of the ingredients. Try this version of Baked Stuffed Shells made with cottage cheese and meat sauce, too!

Ingredients for Stuffed Chicken Shells

Here’s what you need to make this tasty pasta dish:

• Jumbo pasta shells (about 20)
• Jarred pasta sauce
• Shredded, cooked chicken (I use rotisserie chicken but you could use chicken breasts or thighs)
• Ricotta cheese
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Large egg
• Dried parsley (or fresh parsley)
• Kosher salt
• Ground black pepper

Make sure to review the recipe card at the end of the post for exact ingredient amounts and instructions!

How to make Chicken Stuffed Shells

This dish is easy to prep ahead of time and pull out when you’re ready to bake. Here’s how to make it:

1. First, preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Then prepare a 9 X 13-inch baking dish by spraying it with cooking spray, and then spread ⅓ of the pasta sauce into the bottom of the pan.
2. Cook the shell pasta to “al dente” according to the package directions. Drain pasta and set aside. I like to drizzle a little olive oil to keep them from sticking.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg. Combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Add the cooked chicken and stir to coat.
4. Fill each shell with the chicken mixture and place them into the baking dish. Use a large spoon or even your clean hands!
5. Pour the remaining pasta sauce over the shells, then cover the pan with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes.
6. Remove the tin foil and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella over the shells. Finally, return the dish to the oven to bake uncovered for another 5 – 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

FAQs

How far ahead of time can I make this dish?

Make and prep your stuffed shells with chicken up to 24 hours in advance, then store them tightly covered in the fridge. However, I’d stop before step 5; pour the pasta sauce and add the cheese just before you’re ready to bake. Otherwise, the shells may soak up some of the sauce.

How do I store leftover Chicken Stuffed Shells?

Once cooled to room temperature, transfer your leftover shells to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a 350-degree oven until warm throughout.

What’s the best pasta sauce to use?

Use your favorite marinara sauce, or if you don’t have one, look for a high-quality jarred marinara sauce at the grocery store like Newman’s Own or Rao’s Homemade Marinara Sauce (admittedly pricier, but we love the fresh, flavorful taste!)
Marinara sauce is the perfect sauce to use in all those last-minute dinners. Or, if you’re up to it, you can even use our own homemade meat sauce that I use in my mom’s lasagna!

What are some recipe variations?

• Add cooked spinach to your ricotta filling before filling your pasta shells.
• Try different cheeses, such as cottage cheese, or swap out full-fat cheese for part-skim versions.
• Make it with homemade Alfredo sauce or pesto sauce instead of the meat-based tomato sauce.

What should I serve with Chicken Stuffed Shells?

Personally, I like these with some fresh bread and a simple green salad. Try this easy Air Fryer Garlic Bread or Grandma’s Italian Bread.

Try My Other Stuffed Shells Recipes

• Pepperoni Pizza Stuffed Shells are stuffed with ricotta, Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese, and diced pepperoni. Top with pizza sauce and you’ve got an easy dinner that’s a great twist on Pizza night!
• These deliciously cheesy Baked Stuffed Shells are hands down, a reader favorite! They are also filled with three types of cheese, then topped with a meat sauce and more mozzarella before baking to golden brown perfection!
• These Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells combine the richness of a creamy Alfredo sauce with succulent shredded chicken and jumbo pasta shells. Baked with tangy ricotta cheese, a garlicky sauce, and plenty of Parmesan. Winner, winner, chicken dinner!

Other Pasta Recipes you’ll love

You’ll find tons of popular recipes with pasta here. For now, try some of these family favorites:

• Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups
• Chicken Mozzarella Pasta
• Lasagna Pasta Skewers
• Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

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Keep an eye out for more of my easy recipes each week!