Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Shells
This Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Shells recipe is a cozy, cheesy delight! Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 pieces jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 piece egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- to taste Salt and pepper
- for greasing Olive oil
Instructions
- Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it reaches a rolling boil, carefully add the jumbo pasta shells. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the shells and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside on a clean kitchen towel to dry.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, egg, salt, and pepper. Use a wooden spoon to mix everything together until well combined.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your baking dish with a drizzle of olive oil. Take a cooked shell and carefully spoon a generous amount of the chicken and spinach filling into each shell. Place the stuffed shells seam side up in the prepared baking dish. Repeat until all shells are filled.
- Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells, making sure each shell is coated. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top for that gooey, cheesy finish.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Baking dish (9x13 inch recommended)
- Mixing bowl for the filling
- Wooden spoon or spatula for mixing
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Aluminum foil for covering the dish while baking
Notes
- Season your filling well; it’s the heart of the dish!
- Rinse the shells to prevent sticking together.
- Use homemade marinara sauce for extra flavor.
- Let the dish rest after baking for easier serving.