Creamy Chicken Stuffed Pasta Shells Recipe

If you’re craving something warm, cheesy, and downright comforting, you’ve got to try this Creamy Chicken Stuffed Pasta Shells Recipe. I absolutely love how this dish combines tender pasta shells with a rich, creamy filling packed full of chicken, spinach, and gooey cheese — all swimming in luscious Alfredo sauce. When I first made this, my family went crazy for it, and I’m pretty sure it’ll become one of your weeknight favorites too. Stick around, because I’m about to share all my best tips to make your dinner a guaranteed hit!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this creamy chicken stuffed pasta shells recipe works perfectly to create a delicious balance of textures and flavors. Plus, these are easy-to-find staples in most kitchens or grocery stores.

• Jumbo pasta shells: These shells are the perfect size for stuffing, and you want them tender but not mushy, so keep an eye on cooking time.
• Cooked, shredded chicken: A rotisserie chicken works wonders here—super convenient and flavorful.
• Frozen chopped spinach: Make sure to thaw and squeeze out all excess water so your filling isn’t soggy.
• Ricotta cheese: This gives the filling its creamy, smooth texture and mild flavor.
• Mozzarella cheese: Divided use—melty inside and a bubbly, golden topping.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nice nutty sharpness that elevates the dish.
• Egg: Helps bind the filling so it holds together beautifully.
• Fresh or dried basil: I love the fresh kind for a bright herbal note, but dried works too.
• Salt and garlic powder: Essential for seasoning the filling just right.
• Pinch of nutmeg: This little addition adds warmth and depth to the filling—you won’t even taste nutmeg distinctly, but it makes a difference.
• Alfredo sauce: Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly rich—this is what takes the dish over the top. I usually use store-bought for convenience, but homemade is fantastic if you want to give it a try.

Variations

One of the best things about this creamy chicken stuffed pasta shells recipe is how easy it is to tweak to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. I like to experiment a bit depending on the season or my mood.

• Mushroom and Spinach: I sometimes toss sautéed mushrooms in with the spinach for an earthier flavor. My family didn’t even notice the extra veggies!
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling or swirl in some spicy marinara with the Alfredo sauce for a saucy punch.
• Cheese Swap: Try swapping out mozzarella for provolone or adding some sharp cheddar for a twist—each cheese changes the character of the dish.
• Vegetarian Version: Leave out the chicken and double the spinach or add other sautéed veggies like zucchini and bell peppers. It’s just as satisfying.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Stuffed Pasta Shells Recipe

Step 1: Prep and cook your pasta shells

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and spraying a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Pour 1 cup of Alfredo sauce in the bottom—you’ll want this to keep the shells nice and moist while baking. Cook the jumbo pasta shells in salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Here’s a tip: cook just until al dente (usually a minute or two less than the package says) because they’ll finish cooking in the oven. Drain them, then rinse under cold water so they’re easier to handle and don’t continue cooking.

Step 2: Mix the creamy chicken filling

In a large bowl, toss together shredded chicken, thawed and well-drained spinach, ricotta cheese, 1 ½ cups mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, basil, salt, garlic powder, and a pinch of nutmeg. I discovered this combo to make the filling both creamy and flavorful without being too rich or heavy—just the perfect balance!

Step 3: Stuff those shells

Scoop a generous spoonful of the filling into each shell, making sure they’re full but not overflowing too much. Depending on how full you stuff each, you might end up using around 20-22 shells. If you find yourself with extra filling or shells, no worries—you can bake them in a smaller dish alongside or save them for an easy next-day meal.

Step 4: Assemble and bake

Arrange the stuffed shells open side up in the prepared dish. Pour the remaining Alfredo sauce evenly over the top, then sprinkle the remaining ½ cup mozzarella cheese. Cover with foil to keep the moisture in, and bake for about 30 minutes. About 5-10 minutes before they’re done, remove the foil so the cheese on top crisps up and turns that lovely golden brown we all love.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Stuffed Pasta Shells Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle fresh chopped basil or parsley on top just before serving for a burst of color and freshness. Sometimes I grate a little extra Parmesan right at the table. It really brightens up the richness and looks pretty too!

Side Dishes

My go-to side for this creamy chicken stuffed pasta shells recipe is a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a warm baguette also pairs beautifully to mop up any leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes add a layer of marinara sauce beneath the Alfredo for a festive twist, then top with fresh basil leaves artfully arranged. You can also portion the shells individually in small casserole dishes for elegant plating that feels homemade but fancy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover creamy chicken stuffed pasta shells in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. It reheats well and tastes almost as good as fresh, especially if you add a splash of cream or milk during reheating.

Freezing

This recipe freezes wonderfully! I assemble the shells in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as usual.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm at 350°F until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. Removing the foil for the last few minutes helps re-crisp the cheesy top, just like when first baked.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope you get as much joy out of making and eating this creamy chicken stuffed pasta shells recipe as I do. It’s one of those cozy meals that feels special but comes together without fuss, perfect for feeding a crowd or just treating yourself on a weeknight. Give it a try and see how the flavors meld into this deeply satisfying dish. Once you taste that creamy, cheesy filling nestled inside tender pasta and smothered in Alfredo, you might just find yourself making it again and again!

Print