Chicken & Stuffing Stuffed Shells

A delightful dish for any gathering, Chicken & Stuffing Stuffed Shells combine the comforting flavors of chicken and stuffing with a creamy sauce. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this recipe is both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. With just a few ingredients, you’ll create a meal that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful: The combination of chicken, stuffing, and creamy sauce creates a hearty taste that warms the soul.
• Versatile: Customize the filling with your favorite vegetables or swap out cheeses for different flavors.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Suitable for various occasions, from casual family meals to festive gatherings.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare ahead of time and bake when ready to serve for added convenience.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making these delicious stuffed shells, gather the right tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Skillet
• Baking dish (9 x 13)
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Ideal for boiling pasta shells to achieve the perfect al dente texture.
• Skillet: Great for combining the stuffing mixture evenly with butter and water.
• Baking dish: A must-have for holding all the stuffed shells while they bake to perfection.
• Mixing bowl: Useful for whisking together creamy sauces without mess.

Ingredients

For the Pasta Shells

• 1 12oz box Jumbo pasta shells, uncooked
• 1 TBS salt

For the Filling

• 1 1/2 – 2 cups shredded boneless, skinless cooked chicken breasts (I used rotisserie chicken)
• 2 (6oz) boxes Stove Top Stuffing, chicken flavor
• 3 cups water
• 1 stick butter (1/2 cup)

For the Sauce

• 2 (10.5oz) cans cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/8 tsp salt

For Topping

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or swiss cheese
• Parsley, to garnish

How to Make Chicken & Stuffing Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells

In a large pot of water add 1 TBS salt. Bring to a boil. Add in jumbo shells and stir for 20 seconds. Cook per directions on back of package for al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water. Pat dry and lay them out on a cookie sheet covered with parchment. This will keep them from sticking to each other.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

Meanwhile, in a large pot or skillet, bring 3 cups of water and 1 stick of butter to a boil. Add in both boxes of stuffing mix and stir until combined. Turn off the burner and stir in cooked shredded or diced chicken.

Step 3: Stuff the Shells

Spray a 9 x 13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Stuff each cooked jumbo shell with stuffing mixture until completely filled and mound over some. Place stuffed shells into prepared baking dish. You may need an additional small baking dish for overflow of stuffed shells.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together cream of soups, milk, chicken broth, black pepper, and salt. Pour mixture over the stuffed shells in baking dishes.

Step 5: Bake the Dish

Place in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 35 minutes. Pull out of oven and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Place back in oven for an additional 5-10 minutes until cheese has melted. Top with parsley to garnish. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

How to Serve Chicken & Stuffing Stuffed Shells

Serving Chicken & Stuffing Stuffed Shells can elevate your meal experience. They are not just delicious but also versatile. Here are some serving suggestions that complement this tasty dish.

Pair with a Fresh Salad

• Garden Salad: A mix of greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers dressed lightly will add freshness.
• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine with Caesar dressing and croutons pairs well with the creamy texture of the shells.

Add a Side of Vegetables

• Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides a nutritious and colorful addition.
• Roasted Asparagus: Toss asparagus with olive oil and roast until tender for a delightful crunch.

Enjoy with Garlic Bread

• Classic Garlic Bread: Slices of bread spread with garlic butter and toasted make a perfect side.
• Cheesy Garlic Bread: For extra flavor, top garlic bread with cheese before toasting.

Serve with a Creamy Sauce

• Alfredo Sauce Drizzle: A light drizzle of Alfredo sauce over the stuffed shells enhances their creaminess.
• Marinara Sauce: A side of marinara sauce can add a tangy contrast to the rich flavors.

How to Perfect Chicken & Stuffing Stuffed Shells

To make sure your Chicken & Stuffing Stuffed Shells are perfect every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken saves you time and adds great flavor.
• Don’t Overcook the Shells: Aim for al dente texture as they will continue to cook in the oven.
• Mix Ingredients Thoroughly: Ensure all ingredients are well-combined for even flavor distribution.
• Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Taste the filling before stuffing; adjust salt and pepper as needed.
• Cover While Baking: Cover the baking dish with foil initially to keep moisture in, removing it to melt cheese at the end.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken & Stuffing Stuffed Shells

Adding sides to your meal can create a balanced dining experience. Here are some fantastic options to serve alongside your Chicken & Stuffing Stuffed Shells.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic bring comfort to your plate.
2. Grilled Zucchini: Lightly seasoned grilled zucchini adds a fresh taste and nice texture contrast.
3. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw offers a refreshing bite that complements the richness of the shells.
4. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob is simple yet delightful, especially during summer months.
5. Quinoa Salad: A quinoa salad packed with veggies provides protein and fiber alongside your meal.
6. Crispy Brussels Sprouts: Roasted Brussels sprouts tossed in balsamic glaze deliver bold flavors that pair well.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Chicken & Stuffing Stuffed Shells, it’s easy to make some common errors. Here are some mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Overcooking the shells: Ensure that you follow the cooking time on the package for al dente pasta. Overcooked shells can become too soft and break apart when stuffed.
• Not draining properly: After boiling the shells, make sure to drain and rinse them well. This prevents sticking and helps keep the shells intact when filling.
• Skipping seasoning: Failing to season your stuffing mix can lead to bland flavors. Always taste and adjust seasoning as needed for the stuffing mixture.
• Using cold ingredients: Make sure your chicken and other ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. This helps ensure even cooking and better flavor integration.
• Not allowing for overflow: When stuffing the shells, be generous but don’t overstuff. Leave some space in your baking dish for any extra stuffed shells you might have.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Chicken & Stuffing Stuffed Shells in an airtight container.
• They will last for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Chicken & Stuffing Stuffed Shells

• To freeze, place stuffed shells in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• They can be stored for up to 2-3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Chicken & Stuffing Stuffed Shells

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, checking occasionally until hot.
• Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of broth or water. Place stuffed shells in the skillet and cover until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Chicken & Stuffing Stuffed Shells.

Can I use different types of chicken?

Yes! You can use any cooked chicken, such as grilled or baked chicken breasts, instead of rotisserie chicken.

How can I customize Chicken & Stuffing Stuffed Shells?

Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to your stuffing mixture for added flavor and nutrition.

What can I serve with Chicken & Stuffing Stuffed Shells?

These stuffed shells pair well with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare everything in advance and store it in the fridge before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to baking if it’s cold from the fridge.

Final Thoughts

Chicken & Stuffing Stuffed Shells offer a satisfying blend of flavors and textures that make them an ideal dinner option. Easy to prepare and customizable, you can adapt this recipe with various fillings or sauces. Try it out tonight!