Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Shells

$- 20 jumbo pasta shells - 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded - 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated - 1 egg, beaten - 2 cups marinara sauce - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish These ingredients make Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Shells a tasty meal. The jumbo shells hold the filling well. You will love the mix of chicken and spinach. Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan create a creamy texture. The egg helps bind everything together. Marinara sauce adds a nice flavor and moisture. I like to use fresh spinach for its bright color and taste. You can use leftover chicken to save time. You can also switch cheeses if you like. This dish is simple and great for family dinners. Check out the Full Recipe for more details on how to make this hearty meal! Preheating the Oven First, you need to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for even cooking. Cooking the Jumbo Shells Next, cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package directions. Aim for al dente, which means they should be firm but not hard. Drain the shells and let them cool for a bit. This will help you handle them easier when it's time to fill them. Mixing Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, combine the following: - 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded - 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (use half now) - 1 beaten egg - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste Mix these ingredients until everything is well blended. This filling will give your shells a great taste. Stuffing the Shells Now it’s time to fill the shells. Take each cooked shell and carefully spoon the chicken and spinach mixture inside. It’s fun and a bit messy, but that’s part of the joy of cooking! Arranging in the Baking Dish Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a baking dish. Place the filled shells on top. Make sure they sit nicely in the dish, side by side. Baking Time and Temperature Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the shells. Don’t forget to cover them well. Then sprinkle the rest of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an extra 10 minutes. This will make the cheese bubbly and golden. Once done, let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a lovely touch. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Enjoy your hearty family meal! - Choosing the Right Chicken Use cooked chicken for easy preparation. Rotisserie chicken is a great choice. It adds flavor and saves time. You can also grill or bake your own chicken. Just season it well for the best taste. - Alternatives for Cheese Ricotta is classic, but you can switch it up. Cream cheese can add richness. For a lighter option, cottage cheese works well too. Mixing different cheeses can create a unique flavor. Experiment with your favorite types! - How to Avoid Overcooking Pasta Cook the pasta shells until they are al dente. This means they should be firm but not hard. Follow the package's cooking time closely. Rinse them in cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process. This keeps them perfect for stuffing. - Ensuring Cheese is Perfectly Melty Cover the dish with foil while baking. This traps steam and helps the cheese melt evenly. Remove the foil in the last few minutes to brown the top. Keep an eye on the cheese; it should be bubbly and golden. - Ideal Side Dishes Serve your stuffed shells with a fresh salad. A simple Caesar or mixed greens work great. Garlic bread also complements this meal well. It adds crunch and flavor to each bite. - Garnishing Tips Add fresh basil leaves on top before serving. They bring color and a lovely aroma. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese can also add a nice touch. Just a little makes a big difference in presentation. {{image_2}} You can change a few items in the recipe to fit your taste or diet. - Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for 1 cup of cooked lentils or mushrooms. This keeps the dish hearty and satisfying. - Adding Different Cheeses: Try using goat cheese or feta instead of ricotta. This adds a nice tangy flavor to your stuffed shells. Adding some spices or herbs can make your dish even better. - Herbs and Spices to Consider: Fresh basil, oregano, or thyme can boost the flavor. Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. - Adding Vegetables: You can mix in some diced bell peppers or zucchini. This adds color and nutrition to your meal. How you serve your stuffed shells can change the vibe of the meal. - Individual Portions: Use small ramekins instead of a big dish. This makes each serving feel special. - Freezing and Reheating: You can freeze the shells before baking. When ready to eat, just bake them straight from the freezer, adding extra time to cook. For the full recipe, check out the main article. - Refrigeration Tips: Once you finish your meal, let the dish cool down. Then, place leftovers in a tight container. They are good in the fridge for about three days. Keep the marinara sauce separate if possible. This helps keep the shells from getting soggy. - Freezing Instructions: If you want to save some for later, freezing works great. First, let the dish cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Store it in an airtight container. Frozen stuffed shells are best used within three months. To serve, thaw in the fridge before reheating. - Best Techniques for Maintaining Texture: For the best taste, reheat in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the stuffed shells in a baking dish, and cover with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes. This keeps the cheese creamy and the shells tender. - Microwaving vs. Oven Reheating: Microwaving is faster but may change the texture. If you use a microwave, place the shells on a plate. Cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for 2-3 minutes, checking often. The oven gives you better results, but the microwave is handy for a quick meal. Can I use different types of pasta? Yes, you can use other pasta shapes. Try penne or shells. These shapes hold the filling well. They also work great with sauce. How do I make this dish gluten-free? Use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer large shells. Just check the label for gluten-free options. You can also make your own pasta from rice flour. Can I prepare this dish in advance? Yes, you can prep this dish ahead of time. Assemble the shells, then cover and refrigerate. Bake them the next day. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. How long does it take to cook frozen stuffed shells? Frozen stuffed shells take about 45 to 55 minutes. Bake them at 375°F. Cover with foil for the first half, then uncover to brown the cheese. What can I use instead of ricotta cheese? Cottage cheese works well as a substitute. It has a similar texture. You can also blend it for a smoother mix. Cream cheese is another option for a richer taste. What goes well with Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Shells? Serve with a fresh salad. A simple green salad pairs nicely. Garlic bread is also a great choice. It helps soak up the extra sauce. How do I know when the stuffed shells are done? Check if the cheese is bubbly and golden. The sauce should be hot and steaming. You can insert a knife into the center to check if it’s hot throughout. This blog post covered a tasty recipe for Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Shells. We detailed the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and useful tips to make it better. Feel free to experiment with variations, too! Remember, the secret to success is in the cooking techniques and great flavor choices. Whether you're making it for dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to please. Enjoy creating a meal that's both satisfying and easy to make!$

Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Shells

Indulge in a deliciously cheesy experience with our Cheesy Chicken & Spinach Stuffed Shells recipe! Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, these jumbo pasta shells are loaded with shredded chicken, fresh spinach, and a blend of creamy cheeses. Ready in just 55 minutes, this dish is easy to make and packed with flavor.

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Ingredients

20 jumbo pasta shells

1 cup cooked chicken, shredded

2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

1 egg, beaten

2 cups marinara sauce

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.

In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.

Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a baking dish.

Carefully fill each cooked shell with the chicken and spinach mixture, and arrange them in the baking dish over the marinara sauce.

Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are well coated.

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce-covered shells.

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes | Servings: 4