My favorite recipes are those that take little time to prepare but are also a wholesome meal. This is one of the reasons that I love this easy stuffed pasta shells recipe. These pasta shells are stuffed with chicken, barbecue sauce, cheese, and so many other delicious ingredients.
I’m sure your family will love them as much as mine does. Chicken pasta dishes are really popular in my house.
What Are The Big Pasta Shells Called?
You make this stuffed shells recipe with conchiglie or large pasta shells. You can find these shells at most grocery stores. They’re great because the larger size and the shape make them easy to stuff and help the sauce to stick to them.
And this stuffed shells recipe is great because it’s a one-pot pasta dish.
How Do You Know When Pasta Shells Are Done?
You’ll need to boil the shells for about 8 to 10 minutes to get them done. You want them to be al dente, sticky to the touch before you bake them. Or, as my mother used to say, “Throw one against the wall – if it sticks then it’s done.” Really, don’t throw your pasta against the wall.
Just check it after 8 minutes to see if it’s slightly firm but not gummy.
What's The Difference Between Manicotti And Stuffed Shells?
Manicotti is a large tube-shaped pasta while pasta shells look sort of like little seashells. If you want, you can substitute manicotti for this recipe, if that’s what you prefer. Either way, the success of this stuffed shells recipe is going to depend on how you cook your pasta.
How Do You Reheat Frozen Pasta Shells?
I love recipes that allow me to freeze them and then use them later. If you want to freeze this chicken stuffed shells recipe, you have to make sure that you seal the shells tightly, after you have cooked them. You can freeze these in Ziploc bags after you stuff them. Then to reheat, put them in a baking dish and cover with the remainder of the ingredients for baking.
What Shells Are Best For Stuffed Pasta Shells?
We’ve already covered conchiglie and manicotti. You can also do this recipe with other kinds of pasta, like:
- Tortellini
- Ravioli
- Cannelloni
- Agnolotti
What Do You Serve With Stuffed Shells?
The best thing about this stuffed shells recipe, aside from the fact that it only takes half an hour to serve, is that it’s a one-pot meal. You don’t really need anything with it.
If you do want a side, just add a nice summer vegetable dish, or you could save that effort and put it into making a luscious dessert, like these crock pot peanut butter chocolate chip bars.
Video Recipe
Easy Chicken Stuffed Pasta Shells Recipe
Best stuffed pasta shells recipe. Video instructions on how to stuff pasta shells with chicken, barbecue sauce and cheese for a one pot meal that is quick and delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (500 g) of minced chicken, cooked
- 4 tbsps. of butter, melted
- 1 cup of BBQ sauce
- Hot sauce to taste
- 15.8 oz. (450 g) of ricotta cheese
- 1 pound (500 g) of pasta shells
- 3.5 oz. (100 g) of shredded cheese
- 4 tbsps. of scallions, minced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 190C/375F.
- Combine ricotta cheese, chicken, butter, both sauces, and sliced scallions.
- Cook pasta shells according to package directions. Let cool down slightly.
- Stuff pasta shells with chicken mixture and place each shell into 22x30 cm / 9x12 inch baking pan. Top with shredded cheese and bake for 15-20 minutes.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
8 oz. (230 g)Amount Per Serving: Calories: 346Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 73mgSodium: 492mgCarbohydrates: 32gFiber: 1gSugar: 12gProtein: 18g
Comiksitran
Sounds wonderful... when do you add the ricotta cheese?
Vanessa Beaty
At the very beginning! Sorry missed that from the instructions, it's corrected now.
Anonymous
Wanted to let you know I tried this recipe and it was REALLY good. I currently have in my frig, the ingredients to make it again !