Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells – Surrender, in the embrace of Italian cuisine by trying out Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells. This dish beautifully merges the savor of marinara with the creamy richness of ricotta and parmesan cheese. With a crunch from panko breadcrumbs and a pleasurable filling made from chopped chicken, this recipe showcases the joy of utilizing simple wholesome ingredients to construct an agile and fulfilling feast.
The first time I prepared Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells it was on a chilly evening. When I yearned for something comforting and cushy. As the kitchen supplied with the scent of seasoning and garlic, I knew I had stumbled upon something truly special. My husband, eager to taste my experiments was the first to take a nibble. The look of delight, on his face guaranteed that this dish was outstanding. However, it was my little ones’ love for these “cheesy pasta boats” that hinged this recipe into a treasured family custom.
What makes this Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells truly special?
What sets this Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells recipe apart? It is mastership to change leftover chicken into a course that petitions to both children and adults alike. It seamlessly combines together the comforting sentimentality of comfort food with an innovative presentation. The blend of ricotta, Parmesan and gooey mozzarella cheeses, along with a crispy panko crust builds an enjoyable medley of consistencies and tastes that diverts it into more, than just a dish. It becomes a whole experience. Whether it’s the flexibility of the components the relief of making it or the pure enjoyment it carries to the dining table. This recipe grasps everything that assembles Italian cuisine cherished by people.
Steps To Make Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells:
Step 1: Start by preheating your oven to a temperature of 400 degrees Fahrenheit and spread the marinara sauce lovingly at the bottom of a baking dish measuring 9×13 inches.
Step 2: Next, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells to the boiling water. Let them cook for 6 to 7 minutes until they are just slightly undercooked. Gently drain them afterward.
Step 3: In a mixing bowl combine the ricotta, Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, salt and crushed pepper with enthusiasm as if you were creating something truly magical. Fold in the chopped chicken with care.
Step 4: Carefully stuff each pasta shell, with this mixture. Dip the open side of each stuffed shell into butter before giving it a roll in panko breadcrumbs for an extra touch of delight. Arrange them in the baking dish with the side facing up.
Step 5: Place the dish in the center of your oven. Bake for 20 minutes. If by, around the 15-minute mark the breadcrumbs haven’t turned a golden brown yet you can gently broil them for an additional 3 to 5 minutes.
Step 6: To finish off your dish sprinkle some mozzarella cheese over each shell and return it to the oven for another 5 minutes or until you see that melted cheese forming a comforting blanket on top.
Tip:
To take your Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells to the next level. To make them taste like something you’d get in a restaurant try adding some fresh basil and a bit of lemon zest to your ricotta cheese mixture. This simple touch brings a freshness to the creamy filling enhancing the flavors of the marinara sauce and Parmesan. Not does it add depth to the taste but it also adds a pop of color that makes the dish visually appealing while being absolutely delicious. This little twist can remake a recipe into an outstanding dish that will vacate an everlasting image long after you’ve finished dining.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I prepare Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells ahead of time?
You can definitely prepare Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells in advance. Just assemble the dish until it’s ready to be baked cover it up and pop it in the fridge. When you’re all set to enjoy it simply follow the baking instructions as usual. Remember to add a few minutes since it will be starting from a cold temperature.
What can I serve with Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells?
Looking for some sides to go with your Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells? I’d recommend serving them with a salad and a crusty loaf of bread. It’ll turn your meal into a feast!
Can I freeze this dish?
If you’re wondering about freezing this dish worry not! These stuffed shells freeze beautifully. All you need to do is prepare them as usual and arrange them in the baking dish without baking them. Pop the dish into the freezer and when you’re ready to indulge simply bake them from frozen. Just remember to add some time so that they heat through completely.
Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells
Ingredients
- 3 c homemade marinara or store-bought
- 24 jumbo dried pasta shells
- 2 c chopped cooked chicken use up leftovers
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 c parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper
- 1 c panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 c melted butter
- 1 c shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven by setting it to 400°F. Take a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread marinara sauce, on its surface.
- Next, cook the shells in salted water for 6 to 7 minutes. Then drain them properly.
- In a mixing bowl combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, your favorite seasoning, garlic, salt and a pinch of pepper. Mix well. Add some chicken to enhance the flavor.
- Now it’s time to fill the shells with this mixture. Dip each stuffed shell into butter. Then coat them with panko crumbs. Place these shells in the baking dish with the side facing up.
- Bake the shells in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until the breadcrumbs turn brown. If you prefer a slightly crispy texture on top you can broil them for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Once baked to perfection sprinkle some mozzarella cheese on top of the shells. Bake for another 5 minutes until it melts beautifully.
- Finally serve these mouthwatering stuffed shells warm, from the oven. Enjoy every bite.
Notes
