Delicious Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Shells: A Step-by-Step Recipe

Are you looking for a mouth-watering and easy-to-make recipe that combines the flavors of chicken, spinach, and cheese? Look no further! In this article, we will guide you through the process of making delicious chicken and spinach stuffed shells, a perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced cook, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends.

Introduction to Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Shells

Chicken and spinach stuffed shells are a creative twist on traditional stuffed shells. This recipe combines the flavors of cooked chicken, fresh spinach, and creamy cheese, all wrapped up in a convenient pasta shell. The dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or even a potluck. With its rich and savory flavors, chicken and spinach stuffed shells are sure to become a new favorite in your household.

Ingredients Needed

To make chicken and spinach stuffed shells, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound jumbo pasta shells
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt, divided
• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 1 1/4 cups ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 10 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 22 to 24 ounces prepared Alfredo sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have our ingredients, let’s move on to the instructions. Follow these steps to make delicious chicken and spinach stuffed shells:

Cook the Pasta Shells

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 4 1/2 teaspoons salt and pasta shells to the water and boil, stirring occasionally, for 9 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

Prepare the Filling

Combine chicken, ricotta, basil, spinach, 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, garlic powder, and remaining salt in a large bowl and mix well. Stir in the egg.

Stuff the Shells

Divide the filling evenly among the pasta shells.

Assemble the Dish

Coat the bottom of a 9×13-inch casserole dish with olive oil. Spread 1/2 cup Alfredo sauce along the bottom of the dish. Fill the dish with stuffed shells and top with remaining sauce, shredded cheese, and remaining Parmesan and pepper. Cover with foil.

Bake the Dish

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake until bubbly, 10 to 15 minutes more.

Broil the Top

Turn the oven to broil on High. Broil until lightly browned on top, 3 to 4 minutes.

Serve and Enjoy

Let the dish stand for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Tips and Variations

To make chicken and spinach stuffed shells even more delicious, consider the following tips and variations:

• Use fresh spinach instead of frozen for a more vibrant flavor.
• Add some diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the filling for extra flavor and texture.
• Use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or provolone, for a unique flavor profile.
• Serve with a side of garlic bread or a green salad for a complete meal.

Nutritional Information

Chicken and spinach stuffed shells are a nutritious and balanced meal option. Here is the approximate nutritional information per serving:

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 450mg

Conclusion

Chicken and spinach stuffed shells are a delicious and easy-to-make recipe that combines the flavors of chicken, spinach, and cheese. With its rich and savory flavors, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced cook, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. So go ahead, give chicken and spinach stuffed shells a try, and enjoy the delicious flavors and textures of this mouth-watering dish.

FAQs

Recipe Card

Delicious Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Shells: A Step-by-Step Recipe

Course: Main Course, Pasta DishCuisine: Italian-AmericanDifficulty: Medium

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Calories

420

kcal

Total time

50

minutes

A delicious and easy-to-make recipe for chicken and spinach stuffed shells, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 pound jumbo pasta shells

• 2 tablespoons kosher salt, divided

• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken

• 1 1/4 cups ricotta cheese

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

• 10 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

• 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 large egg, beaten

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 22 to 24 ounces prepared Alfredo sauce

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

• Cook the Pasta Shells: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 4 1/2 teaspoons salt and pasta shells to the water and boil, stirring occasionally, for 9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
• Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• Prepare the Filling: Combine chicken, ricotta, basil, spinach, 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, garlic powder, and remaining salt in a large bowl and mix well. Stir in the egg.
• Stuff the Shells: Divide the filling evenly among the pasta shells.
• Assemble the Dish: Coat the bottom of a 9×13-inch casserole dish with olive oil. Spread 1/2 cup Alfredo sauce along the bottom of the dish. Fill the dish with stuffed shells and top with remaining sauce, shredded cheese, and remaining Parmesan and pepper. Cover with foil.
• Bake the Dish: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake until bubbly, 10 to 15 minutes more.
• Broil the Top: Turn the oven to broil on High. Broil until lightly browned on top, 3 to 4 minutes.
• Serve and Enjoy: Let the dish stand for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.