Name: Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 12 ounces jumbo pasta shells; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 lb ground chicken or boneless chicken breasts cut into small pieces, about 1-inch; 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasonings; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese; 2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese, divided; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 large egg; 4 cloves garlic, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 4 cups marinara sauce; 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs; Optional chopped parsley for garnish

If you’re craving a comforting, cheesy Italian meal that’s a bit different from the usual, you absolutely must try this Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells Recipe. I love this because it’s the perfect blend of tender pasta shells stuffed with a flavorful chicken and cheese filling, all topped with melty mozzarella and a crispy breadcrumb crust. Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser and an easy weeknight dinner that feels special.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Weeknight Dinner: Quick to pull together yet feels like a restaurant-quality meal.
Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for the cheesy, garlicky chicken filling every time.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare it in advance and bake when ready.
Customizable: Swap out ingredients easily to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Three large pasta shells are arranged on a white plate with tomato sauce spread beneath them. Each shell is filled with a white cheese filling, topped with a layer of melted cheese that looks soft and lightly browned. A sprinkle of light brown breadcrumbs sits on top of the melted cheese, and fresh green parsley leaves are scattered over and around the shells, adding a bright touch. The plate rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells, cheesy Italian stuffed pasta, baked chicken and cheese shells, easy chicken pasta dinner, crowd-pleasing stuffed shells

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells Recipe comes from simple, fresh ingredients that balance beautifully. When shopping, look for good-quality ricotta and marinara sauce—the flavor foundation here.

Flat lay of jumbo pasta shells arranged next to a small white bowl of olive oil, a mound of ground chicken pieces seasoned with dried Italian herbs and salt, a large white ceramic bowl filled with creamy whole milk ricotta cheese, a small white bowl holding shredded mozzarella cheese, another small white bowl with grated Parmesan cheese, one whole uncracked large egg with a clean shell, four peeled garlic cloves, a small white bowl containing vibrant red marinara sauce, a small white bowl of light golden Panko breadcrumbs, and a few fresh sprigs of chopped parsley scattered nearby, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells, cheesy Italian stuffed pasta, baked chicken and cheese shells, easy chicken pasta dinner, crowd-pleasing stuffed shells

Jumbo pasta shells: These huge shells are perfect for stuffing and they hold their shape well after baking.
Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness when cooking the chicken.
Ground chicken or boneless chicken breasts: Ground chicken cooks quickly and evenly, but chopped chicken breasts work well if you prefer more texture.
Dried Italian seasonings: A convenient way to boost flavor without extra effort.
Ricotta cheese: Makes the filling creamy and smooth.
Mozzarella cheese: Divided for mixing and topping—the melty, gooey star here.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty kick.
Egg: Binds the filling so it holds together nicely.
Garlic (minced or powder): Fresh is best for that authentic Italian zing.
Salt: Balances and enhances all flavors.
Marinara sauce: A robust, tangy base and topping – homemade or store-bought all work.
Panko breadcrumbs: Creates a crunchy, golden crust.
Chopped parsley (optional): Freshens up the presentation and adds a pop of color.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells Recipe is how easily you can tweak it to match your preferences or what you have on hand. Feel free to get creative—this recipe is forgiving!

Vegetarian option: Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or spinach; I’ve tried this and it’s wonderfully tasty.
Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes to the filling or marinara sauce for a little heat that my family actually requests now.
Dairy-free: Use dairy-free ricotta and cheese alternatives—just make sure they melt well for that classic texture.
Different cheeses: Try mixing in provolone or fontina for a twist I discovered that adds richness.

How to Make Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells Recipe

Step 1: Boil the Pasta Shells Al Dente

Start by bringing a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Add your jumbo pasta shells and cook them according to the package directions—aim for al dente so they hold up well during baking. Drain carefully and set aside. I like to rinse them briefly with cool water to prevent sticking and to make handling easier later.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your ground chicken or small chicken pieces, then season with salt and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 5-6 minutes until no longer pink, breaking up the ground chicken if needed. Let it cool slightly before mixing it with the cheese filling—this helps the egg not scramble when you combine everything.

Step 3: Mix the Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the cooled chicken, ricotta, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic, and salt. Stir until all ingredients are well integrated. This creamy mixture is what makes each shell so irresistible.

Step 4: Assemble the Stuffed Shells

Pour 2 cups of marinara sauce into the bottom of your 9×13-inch baking dish. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the chicken and cheese filling into each shell, placing them filling side up into the sauce. Once you’ve stuffed all the shells, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top, sprinkle with the rest of the mozzarella, and then evenly sprinkle Panko breadcrumbs for that perfect crunch.

Step 5: Bake and Brown

Cover the dish with nonstick foil or spray the underside of foil with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the Panko crumbs turn golden brown and crispy. If you want, garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh finish.

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Pro Tips for Making Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells Recipe

Perfect Pasta Texture: Slightly undercook the shells since they’ll finish baking in the sauce—helps prevent mushiness.
Cool the Chicken Filling: Mixing warm chicken with the egg can scramble it—let it cool first.
Nonstick Foil Hack: Spray the underside of your foil to avoid cheesy mess sticking to the foil during baking.
Reheat Smartly: Cover with foil when reheating leftovers to keep shells moist, then remove foil last 5 minutes to re-crisp breadcrumbs.

How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells Recipe

Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I always sprinkle a bit of fresh chopped parsley over the top just before serving—it brightens the dish and adds a little color pop. Some freshly grated Parmesan isn’t a bad idea either if you’re feeling indulgent.

Side Dishes

I like pairing these stuffed shells with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or some sautéed garlic spinach to keep it fresh. Garlic bread on the side works wonders too, especially for soaking up any extra sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve arranged the stuffed shells in a circular pattern in a round dish and topped with extra fresh basil and basil oil drizzle. It looks fancy but is so easy—and always impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the shells cool completely, I transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. They reheat beautifully without drying out.

Freezing

This recipe freezes wonderfully. Assemble everything as instructed, then cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, bake from frozen—just add 10-15 minutes to your bake time and keep foil on until the end to avoid burning.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes until heated through. Then, I remove foil and bake another 5-7 minutes to restore the crisp topping. This keeps the shells moist inside while giving you that golden crust again.

FAQs

Can I use shredded chicken instead of ground chicken?

Absolutely! Shredded cooked chicken works great and gives a different texture. Just be sure to mix it well with the cheeses so the filling stays together.
Do I have to pre-cook the chicken?

Yes, cooking the chicken ahead is important since the shells bake relatively quickly. This ensures the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free jumbo pasta shells and gluten-free breadcrumbs. Just double-check your marinara sauce is gluten-free too to keep the whole dish safe.
How do I prevent the stuffed shells from falling apart?

Make sure to bind the filling nicely with the egg and cheeses, and handle the shells gently when stuffing. Also, don’t overfill them, which can cause breakage during baking.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells Recipe holds a special place in my dinner rotation because it balances comfort food vibes with something a bit special—you’ll find it’s rich, satisfying, and universally loved at our table. If you haven’t tried stuffed shells before, this recipe is a perfect way to start: simple to make, easy to tweak, and guaranteed to impress. I hope you enjoy making it as much as we do, and that it brings a little Italian coziness to your home kitchen!