Chicken Stuffed Shellsrn

Name: Chicken Stuffed Shells
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 15 to 16 ounce jar Alfredo sauce; 8 ounce bottle ranch dressing; 20 jumbo pasta shells, (uncooked); 2 cups shredded chicken; 16 ounce container ricotta; ½ pound bacon, (cooked and crumbled); 8 ounce package cream cheese, (softened); 2 cups mozzarella cheese, (shredded and divided in half); 2 cloves garlic, (minced); 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, (heaping); ¼ teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons fresh basil, (chopped (optional)); 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, (chopped (optional))

a close up shot of Chicken Stuffed Shells in a baking dish with a wooden spoon getting a slice

These chicken stuffed shells are loaded with creamy and cheesy ingredients and baked until gooey and bubbling.

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Table of Contents

Chicken Stuffed Shells Ingredients
Substitutions And Additions
How To Make This Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe
How To Serve
Storing These Stuffed Shells With White Sauce
Frequently Asked Questions
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Chicken stuffed shells are the perfect blend of comfort food and sophistication. The creamy chicken mixture is oozing out of the pasta shells, and the cheese is perfectly melted; this dish is definitely worth indulging in!

Chicken Stuffed Shells Ingredients

Chicken Stuffed Shells raw ingredients that are labeled

These shells are the perfect blend of savory chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ricotta, all smothered in a rich Alfredo sauce and baked in tender pasta shells.

Chicken stuffed shells are proof that comfort food can be delicious and tantalizing.

To make this cheesy dish, you’ll need:

15 to 16-ounce jar of Alfredo sauce
8-ounce bottle of ranch dressing
20 jumbo pasta shells, uncooked
2 cups of shredded chicken
16-ounce container of ricotta cheese
½ pound of bacon, cooked and crumbled
8-ounce package of cream cheese, softened
2 cups of mozzarella cheese, shredded and divided in half
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 heaping tablespoon of Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon of salt
2 tablespoons of fresh basil, chopped (optional)
1 tablespoon of fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

PRO TIP:

I like to use a whole store-bought rotisserie chicken for this great recipe because it makes your prep so easy.

You can certainly cook your own chicken for this recipe, either all breast meat, all dark meat, or a combination of both.

You will need about 1-1½ pounds for your 3 cups of cooked chopped chicken.

Substitutions And Additions

BREAD CRUMBS: Sprinkle the top of the cheesy chicken shells with bread crumbs before baking for a little bit of added crunch.

How To Make This Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe

While making these shells takes a bit of time, it is worth it once you sink your teeth into the creamy and cheesy dish.

You’ll combine the filling mixture while the pasta is cooking. Once al dente, drain the pasta and fill them with the chicken and ricotta mixture.

Top the stuffed shells with Alfredo sauce and plenty of cheese before baking them until the cheese is melted and bubbling.

OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS

You can stuff these easy stuffed shells the night before you are ready to serve them, cover the pan with plastic wrap, and store them in the fridge until the next day.

STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.

STEP TWO: Add the Alfredo sauce and ranch dressing to a small mixing bowl, then stir until well combined.

Alfredo sauce and ranch dressing stirred in a bowl

STEP THREE: Spread 1 cup of the sauce mixture onto the bottom of the prepared pan.

STEP FOUR: Cook the jumbo shells al dente according to package directions, then rinse in cold water until cool enough to handle.

STEP FIVE: Add chicken, ricotta, bacon, cream cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt to a large bowl and beat using a hand mixer until well combined.

chicken, ricotta, bacon, cream cheese, mozzarella, garlic, Italian seasoning and salt combined in a bowl

STEP SIX: Stuff each shell with the chicken mixture, then place them open side down in the prepared pan.

PRO TIP:

Use a pastry bag without a tip or a Ziploc bag with the end cut off to easily fill your stuffed shells.

chicken mixture stuffed in each shell in a baking dish

STEP SEVEN: Pour the remaining sauce mixture over top, then top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.

pour sauce mixture over the top and then mozzarella cheese over the top in a baking dish

STEP EIGHT: Bake uncovered for 28 to 30 minutes or until cheese begins to bubble and brown slightly.

PRO TIP:

Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to check your shells at the lower end of the recommended baking time.

bake Chicken Stuffed Shells in a baking dish

STEP NINE: Allow to cool slightly, top with fresh herbs, then serve.

How To Serve

These cheesy bacon chicken stuffed shells should be served hot. They are perfect for busy weeknights, and the whole family will gobble them up. Serve them with a Caesar salad and garlic bread on the side.

Don’t forget to finish the meal off with decadent molten lava cake or chocolate lasagna for dessert.

Our taco stuffed shells and stuffed shells recipes are two more tasty dishes using this favorite pasta shape.

MORE CHICKEN RECIPES

Chicken Dinner Ideas

Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken Dinner Ideas

Tuscan Chicken

Storing These Stuffed Shells With White Sauce

IN THE FRIDGE: You can store any leftover chicken stuffed shells in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

IN THE FREEZER: You can freeze the cheesy bacon cheddar stuffed shells for up to 2 months. I suggest using a disposable aluminum tray and wrapping it tightly with aluminum foil.

Be sure to thaw your cheesy bacon chicken stuffed shells completely in the refrigerator before baking.

MAKE AHEAD: You can prepare this pasta bake up to 24 hours ahead of time and keep it covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake and serve.

You will need to allow the dish to come to room temperature while you are preheating your oven to ensure even baking.

All your ingredients are already cooked, but you will want to make sure that it gets heated through evenly.

There is nothing better than a cozy and comforting pan of cheesy goodness. These creamy chicken stuffed shells make a delicious dinner option, and we guarantee that your family will be asking for seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze these shells?

This pasta dish freezes well. Make the recipe according to the above directions right up to before the baking step. Cover well and freeze for up to two months.

Can I add veggies to the sauce or filling?

If you want to include extra veggie goodness, you can add veggies to your sauce or filling. Broccoli, mushrooms, or peppers are all great options.

Can I make this stuffed shell recipe ahead of time?

The shells can be stuffed the day before and kept in the fridge until you are ready to bake them the next day. You can also prepare the shells and freeze them before baking them for a meal later.

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