What temperature do you bake stuffed shells?

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit . Spoon the cheese mixture into each pasta shell and place open side up, in a single layer, in prepared pan. Pour the rest of sauce over the stuffed shells. Loosely cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes.

What goes good with stuffed shells?

I often serve these stuffed shells with my Homemade Caesar Salad, but my Arugula Salad, Beet Salad, or Simple Green Salad would also pair well with this recipe. And when it comes to bread, you really can't go wrong! Stick with a crusty loaf, or make rosemary focaccia, garlic knots, or dinner rolls. Enjoy!

Why are my stuffed shells runny?

Stuffed shells can get watery for a few different reasons. One reason could be that the shells were not cooked long enough and they released water while cooking . Another reason could be that the filling was too wet, which made the shells soggy.

How many jumbo shells are in a 12 oz box?

Also, note that a box of jumbo shells contains approximately 46 shells .

How long to cook small shells?

Cooking Directions Bring water to a rapid boil. Add salt for flavor (optional). Add pasta and stir; return to rapid boil. Cook uncovered 8-10 minutes , stirring occasionally.

Why are my stuffed shells hard?

The shells should be 1 minute shy of al dente– meaning they should still be a little firm/ have a “bite” because they will continue to cook in the oven. Also, if the shells are cooked al dente or over cooked , they will be flimsy and hard to stuff and can easily break when stuffing.

How many days are stuffed shells good for?

Like most leftovers, your stuffed shells should last for three to four days in a fridge set at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower . If you can't eat the extra stuffed shells so soon, put them in the freezer set at 0 degrees Fahrenheit and they will stay fresh for four months.

What is the difference between stuffed shells and manicotti?

Unlike the tubes of manicotti, the shells can hold an amount of stuffing equal to the size and shape of an egg . A cream or cheese sauce can coat these shells, as well as the meat, tomato, and vegetable sauces that also work well with manicotti.

Can stuffed shells be left out overnight?

Can Stuffed Shells Be Left Out Overnight? I wouldn't recommend eating these (or any) stuffed shells if they've been left out overnight . Bacteria grows rapidly at room temperature, and eating these after they've been out for more than two hours can make you sick.

How do you thicken ricotta filling?

There are several methods. Strain the ricotta through a cheese cloth and squeeze out excess moisture before making the filling. Add almond flour. Add dry milk powder .

Can I freeze stuffed shells?

They do not need to be thawed you can just drop them in the oven in some sauce. It is going to be about 30–40 minutes at 350 to reheat them. Yes, you can freeze stuffed shells or similar pasta for future use . To thaw them, simply transfer them from the freezer to the refrigerator and let them thaw overnight.

How many jumbo shells are in a pound?

A pound of "jumbo" pasta shells contains about 36 . This recipe makes enough filling for about 30 shells, so it's likely you'll have a few extras, which may come in handy as some shells break in the box or during cooking.

How long to heat refrigerated stuffed shells?

STUFFED SHELLS-350* OVEN, UNCOVERED FOR 40-45 MINUTES . MANICOTTI-350* OVEN, UNCOVERED FOR 30-35 MINUTES.

How long are cooked stuffed shells good for?

Like most leftovers, your stuffed shells should last for three to four days in a fridge set at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower . If you can't eat the extra stuffed shells so soon, put them in the freezer set at 0 degrees Fahrenheit and they will stay fresh for four months.

Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe (2024)

September 24, 2018 by Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) · Updated October 29, 2023

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Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe is filled with flavorful chicken and broccoli stuffed inside of tender pasta shells then smothered with a decadent cajun cream sauce and cheese. Easily the best stuffed shells recipe ever!

So, if you have been following along with me this year, you know my baby girl is now seven months old! OMG seriously I cannot believe how quickly time is passing. I am desperately trying to hold on to each and every fleeting moment with a fierceness I can’t quite explain. I’ve slowed down my travel schedule as a result, and I’m trying to be a bit more conscious of the time and effort it takes me to complete certain tasks.

As a result, I’m starting to understand the importance of the easy weeknight meal.Between the busy work days, baby duties and everything else life brings, I find myselfstrapped for time. This chicken stuffed shells recipe is one of my many easy weeknight meals including Crispy Skillet Baked Garlic Chicken, Easy Citrus Shrimp and Lemon RoastChicken and Potatoes. So, I’ve taken it upon myself to put together recipes that areboth simple and delicious.

Table of Contents

The Perks and Highlights of the Best Chicken Stuffed Shells

Cuisine Inspiration: Cajun and Italian
Primary Cooking Method: Baking and Sautéing
Dietary Info: Contains Dairy and Gluten
Key Flavor: Creamy, Cheesy, and Spiced
Skill Level: Intermediate

Sweet Highlights:

Luscious Creamy Sauce: The heavy cream and parmesan create a rich and velvety base, enhancing the shells’ flavor.
Cajun Kick: A generous sprinkle of Creole seasoning adds a warm, spicy vibe, perfect for those who love a bit of heat.
Cheese Galore: With parmesan inside and melted mozzarella on top, it’s a cheesy delight from the first bite.
Quick and Easy: Despite its gourmet look, this recipe is straightforward, making it accessible for any home cook.
Versatile Veggie Addition: The broccoli adds a nutritious twist and a pop of color, but feel free to swap it out with your favorite veggies.

Ingredients

Jumbo Shells: They’re big, they’re bold, and they’re ready to be stuffed with goodness.
Unsalted Butter: This ensures everything you sauté is sizzling and flavorsome.
Minced Garlic: It’s small but mighty and packs a punch of flavor.
Heavy Whipping Cream: This makes the sauce luscious and rich.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Cheesy goodness that’s part salty, part nutty, and all delish.
Creole Seasoning: The heart of Cajun cooking, it’s a vibrant mix that’s set to turn up the heat and the flavor.
Italian Seasoning: A herbal hug that brings a touch of the Mediterranean to the mix.
Salt & Black Pepper: A little seasoning goes a long way.
Ricotta Cheese: Creamy, dreamy, and delightful
Rotisserie Chicken: Shredded to perfection, it’s the protein-packed, flavor-loaded star of the show.
Cooked Broccoli: Adding a pop of color and a burst of veggie goodness.
Diced Onion: Sharp, sweet, and everything in between.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Because more cheese equals more happiness.
Parsley for Garnish: A sprinkle of green to make it all beam.

How to Make Chicken Stuffed Shells

Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F and cook the jumbo shells as per package instructions. Let them cool to room temperature.
Sauté: In a large pan, melt butter over medium-high heat, add garlic, and sauté for 30-60 seconds, avoiding burning.
Create Sauce: Add heavy cream, ½ cup parmesan, ½ tablespoon creole seasoning, and all the Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 5-7 minutes until thick. Pour into a baking pan and set aside.
Mix Filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta, chicken, broccoli, onion, remaining parmesan, and creole seasoning.
Assemble: Stuff each shell with the chicken mixture, place in the sauced baking pan, cover with mozzarella, and bake for 20 minutes or until bubbly.
Serve: Let cool for 10-15 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve it up!

At times, preparing meals for yourself or the family can feel overwhelming or time-consuming. Believe me, I understand. So, do yourself a favor, put together a few simple recipes that you not only love to eat, but enjoy making. I promise you these Chicken Stuffed Shells will be one of them!

More Amazing Italian Recipes

For more delicious Italian favorites, check out these recipes:

If you love stuffed shells, you will adore this Italian Sausage Stuffed Shells version.
There is nothing more satisfying than this comforting Italian Pot Roast recipe.
If you love a classic, try my amazing Spaghetti and Meatballs.
Want a vegetarian version of your favorite, try my Lentil Meatballs!
Don’t forget the most perfect Garlic bread recipe to serve with your Italian dish!

*Did you make this recipe? Please give it a star rating and leave comments below!*

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