Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe

Flavorful chicken and broccoli are stuffed inside of tender pasta shells and smothered with cheese and a decadent cajun cream sauce.  Next level!
Jump to Recipe
Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe is filled with flavorful chicken and broccoli stuffed inside of tender pasta shells then smothered with a decadent cajun cream sauce and cheese. Easily the best stuffed shells recipe ever!

This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy.

Flavorful chicken and broccoli are stuffed inside of tender pasta shells and smothered with cheese and a decadent cajun cream sauce all served in a white casserole dish with a spoon in it

Want to Save This Recipe, Boo?

I'll email this recipe to you, so you can come back to it later!

So, if you have been following along with me this year, you know my baby girl is now seven months old! OMG seriously I cannot believe how quickly time is passing. I am desperately trying to hold on to each and every fleeting moment with a fierceness I can’t quite explain.  I’ve slowed down my travel schedule as a result, and I’m trying to be a bit more conscious of the time and effort it takes me to complete certain tasks.

Overhead shot of chicken stuffed shells recipe served in a white casserole dish with a spoon and an individual serving served on a white dish next to it along with uncooked pasta shells and a container of Land O Lakes butter

As a result, I’m starting to understand the importance of the easy weeknight meal. Between the busy work days, baby duties and everything else life brings, I find myself strapped for time. This chicken stuffed shells recipe is one of my many easy weeknight meals including Crispy Skillet Baked Garlic Chicken, Easy Citrus Shrimp and Lemon Roast Chicken and Potatoes. So, I’ve taken it upon myself to put together recipes that are both simple and delicious.

The Perks and Highlights of the Best Chicken Stuffed Shells

Cuisine Inspiration: Cajun and Italian
Primary Cooking Method: Baking and Sautéing
Dietary Info: Contains Dairy and Gluten
Key Flavor: Creamy, Cheesy, and Spiced
Skill Level: Intermediate

Sweet Highlights:

  1. Luscious Creamy Sauce: The heavy cream and parmesan create a rich and velvety base, enhancing the shells’ flavor.
  2. Cajun Kick: A generous sprinkle of Creole seasoning adds a warm, spicy vibe, perfect for those who love a bit of heat.
  3. Cheese Galore: With parmesan inside and melted mozzarella on top, it’s a cheesy delight from the first bite.
  4. Quick and Easy: Despite its gourmet look, this recipe is straightforward, making it accessible for any home cook.
  5. Versatile Veggie Addition: The broccoli adds a nutritious twist and a pop of color, but feel free to swap it out with your favorite veggies.
Overhead shot of the ingredients used to make this chicken stuffed shells recipe including pulled chicken pieces, cheese, broccoli and Land O Lakes butter all on top of a wooden cutting board

Ingredients

  • Jumbo Shells: They’re big, they’re bold, and they’re ready to be stuffed with goodness.
  • Unsalted Butter: This ensures everything you sauté is sizzling and flavorsome.
  • Minced Garlic: It’s small but mighty and packs a punch of flavor.
  • Heavy Whipping Cream: This makes the sauce luscious and rich.
  • Grated Parmesan Cheese: Cheesy goodness that’s part salty, part nutty, and all delish.
  • Creole Seasoning: The heart of Cajun cooking, it’s a vibrant mix that’s set to turn up the heat and the flavor.
  • Italian Seasoning: A herbal hug that brings a touch of the Mediterranean to the mix.
  • Salt & Black Pepper: A little seasoning goes a long way.
  • Ricotta Cheese: Creamy, dreamy, and delightful
  • Rotisserie Chicken: Shredded to perfection, it’s the protein-packed, flavor-loaded star of the show.
  • Cooked Broccoli: Adding a pop of color and a burst of veggie goodness.
  • Diced Onion: Sharp, sweet, and everything in between.
  • Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Because more cheese equals more happiness.
  • Parsley for Garnish: A sprinkle of green to make it all beam.

How to Make Chicken Stuffed Shells

  1. Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F and cook the jumbo shells as per package instructions. Let them cool to room temperature.
  2. Sauté: In a large pan, melt butter over medium-high heat, add garlic, and sauté for 30-60 seconds, avoiding burning.
  3. Create Sauce: Add heavy cream, ½ cup parmesan, ½ tablespoon creole seasoning, and all the Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 5-7 minutes until thick. Pour into a baking pan and set aside.
  4. Mix Filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta, chicken, broccoli, onion, remaining parmesan, and creole seasoning.
  5. Assemble: Stuff each shell with the chicken mixture, place in the sauced baking pan, cover with mozzarella, and bake for 20 minutes or until bubbly.
  6. Serve: Let cool for 10-15 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve it up!
Overhead shot of uncooked chicken and stuffed shells dish contained in a white casserole dish

At times, preparing meals for yourself or the family can feel overwhelming or time-consuming. Believe me, I understand. So, do yourself a favor, put together a few simple recipes that you not only love to eat, but enjoy making. I promise you these Chicken Stuffed Shells will be one of them!

An individual serving of Flavorful chicken and broccoli are stuffed inside of tender pasta shells and smothered with cheese and a decadent cajun cream sauce on a white plate with a fork

More Amazing Italian Recipes

For more delicious Italian favorites, check out these recipes:

*Did you make this recipe? Please give it a star rating and leave comments below!*
Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe | Grandbaby Cakes

Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe

Flavorful chicken and broccoli are stuffed inside of tender pasta shells and smothered with cheese and a decadent cajun cream sauce.  Next level!
4.49 from 76 votes
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course: Main Course
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1/2 (12 ounce) box jumbo shells 6 ounces total
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp minced garlic
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese divided
  • 1 tbsp creole seasoning divided
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • salt (if needed) to taste
  • black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup rotisserie chicken shredded
  • 1 cup broccoli cooked and diced
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Parsley for garnish

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 F degrees.
  • Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the instructions on the box and set aside separately to bring back to room temperature.
  • Add butter to a large pan over medium high heat. Once melted, add garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds making sure not to overcook and cause burning.
  • Add heavy cream, ½ cup of parmesan cheese, ½ tablespoon of creole seasoning, and all of the Italian seasoning and stir to mix together. Bring cream sauce to a boil then reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes to thicken. Once thickened, remove from heat and pour into a large baking pan and set aside.
  • Next in a separate medium sized bowl, add ricotta cheese, chicken, broccoli, onion, remaining parmesan and remaining creole seasoning and stir together to combine well.
  • Stuff room temperature shells with chicken mixture and add to bottom of sauced baking pan.
  • Cover with mozzarella cheese and bake for 20 minutes or until cheese has completely melted and is bubbling. Remove from oven. Allow to cool for 10-15 minutes, garnish with parsley and serve.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 578kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 50g | Saturated Fat: 30g | Cholesterol: 186mg | Sodium: 493mg | Potassium: 281mg | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 2200IU | Vitamin C: 16.5mg | Calcium: 436mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @GrandbabyCakes or tag #grandbabycakes!
Filed Under:  Chicken, Dinner, Main Dishes, Oven, Pasta

Comments

  1. I made this yesterday when I needed comfort food stat! It was not only the best tasting sauce with that subtle hint of cajun in them, but it couldn’t have been more easy to whip up at the last minute! LOVE LOVE LOVE!

  2. Hey Jocelyn…..Fantastic ! am a big fan of chicken and this is sooo yummy & delicious, i want a eat now….and i will definitely make this stuffed shells…Thanks for sharing….!

  3. mmm I want to eat it every day! This is a great idea for dinner. I have to try this! Looks amazing! Perfect. This is a great idea.

  4. My son isn’t a huge fan of red sauce, but loves pasta. This will be the perfect option for him! Delicious!

4.49 from 76 votes (48 ratings without comment)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating