Introduction
Welcome to our delicious recipe for Yummy & Easy Stuffed Shells with Chicken & Garlic Butter. This flavorful dish combines tender chicken, aromatic garlic butter, and cheesy stuffed shells to create a mouthwatering meal that will delight your taste buds. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting a dinner party, this recipe is sure to impress your guests. Follow our step-by-step guide to create this delectable dish in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
Before you begin cooking, make sure you have the following ingredients on hand:
– 1 pound of cooked chicken, shredded
– 12 ounces of jumbo pasta shells
– 1/2 cup of butter
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 cups of ricotta cheese
– 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
Feel free to customize the ingredients to suit your preferences. You can add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor, or spice it up with some red pepper flakes.
Steps
Follow these simple steps to prepare and bake your Yummy & Easy Stuffed Shells:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
2. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
4. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour half of the garlic butter mixture into the bottom of the baking dish.
6. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the chicken and cheese mixture, then place them in the baking dish.
7. Drizzle the remaining garlic butter over the stuffed shells.
8. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Variations
There are endless ways to customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences:
– Substitute the chicken with ground beef or turkey for a different flavor profile.
– Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers to the cheese mixture for a tangy twist.
– Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top before baking for a crunchy texture.
– Experiment with different types of cheese, such as fontina or Gouda, for a unique blend of flavors.
Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own!
Tips
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your stuffed shells turn out perfectly:
– Make sure the pasta shells are cooked al dente so they hold their shape when stuffed.
– Let the stuffed shells rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
– Garnish with fresh basil or additional Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
– Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve successfully prepared a scrumptious batch of Yummy & Easy Stuffed Shells with Chicken & Garlic Butter. This dish is perfect for any occasion and is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness of each bite and savor the compliments from your dinner guests. Get creative with the recipe variations and make it your own!
FAQs
Q: Can I freeze the stuffed shells before baking?
A: Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells and freeze them before baking. Simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
Q: Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a time-saving option that works well in this recipe.
Q: How can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and add more vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to the cheese mixture.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the stuffed shells in advance and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
: 🍗🧄🧀 Yummy & Easy Stuffed Shells with Chicken & Garlic Butter
A flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, aromatic garlic butter, and cheesy stuffed shells to create a mouthwatering meal. Perfect for family dinners or dinner parties, this dish is sure to impress your guests!
Ingredients
-
1 pound cooked chicken, shredded
-
12 ounces jumbo pasta shells
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1/2 cup butter
-
4 cloves garlic, minced
-
2 cups ricotta cheese
-
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
-
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
-
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
-
Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
-
In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
-
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper.
-
Pour half of the garlic butter mixture into the bottom of the baking dish.
-
Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the chicken and cheese mixture, then place them in the baking dish.
-
Drizzle the remaining garlic butter over the stuffed shells.
-
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
