Stuffed Shells With Chicken
Creamy stuffed shells filled with seasoned chicken and sour cream, baked with spaghetti sauce and cheese for a hearty, flavorful Italian-inspired dish perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil chicken breasts for 30 minutes until cooked through.
- Cut up the cooked chicken and place in a pan with chopped scallions.
- Season the chicken mixture with seasoning salt, salt, pepper, garlic, oregano, and parsley.
- Saute the chicken and scallions until heated through.
- Add spaghetti sauce to the chicken mixture and cook until the mixture is sticky; keep warm.
- Cook the pasta shells in boiling water until al dente, then drain and cool.
- Stir 8 ounces of sour cream into the chicken mixture.
- Stuff the cooked shells with the chicken and sour cream mixture.
- Arrange the stuffed shells in a baking dish.
- Pour the remaining spaghetti sauce over the stuffed shells.
- Sprinkle cheese on top of the sauce.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier filling, consider adding ricotta cheese to the chicken mixture. If you don't have sour cream, Greek yogurt is a great substitute. You can also add spinach for extra nutrition, which complements the flavor. Experiment with different herbs like basil or thyme to enhance the overall taste. Using a homemade spaghetti sauce will elevate the dish even further.
Serving Suggestions
These stuffed shells make a great main dish and pair well with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. You might also serve them alongside roasted vegetables for a healthy touch. For a fun twist, try serving with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. They also pair beautifully with Italian recipes like Spinach Lasagna for a satisfying dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover stuffed shells can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave them in individual portions until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stuffed Shells With Chicken contains roughly 799 calories, with 24g protein, 127g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (165% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (117% of the Daily Value), and calcium (96% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2188mg per serving (95% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
Yes, using pre-cooked chicken can save time. Just make sure to shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces before mixing it with the scallions and seasonings. This will ensure even flavor distribution and a quick prep process.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. You can also use lentils or a meat substitute like tempeh for protein. Adjust the seasoning accordingly to maintain flavor balance.
What type of cheese should I use on top?
Mozzarella cheese is a classic choice for stuffed shells, as it melts beautifully and adds a nice stretch. However, you can also use parmesan or a blend of Italian cheeses for added flavor. For a richer taste, try adding some ricotta on top before baking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).