Description
Garlic Chicken & Spinach Stuffed Shells is a comforting baked pasta dish filled with savory garlic chicken, fresh spinach, and creamy cheeses, all topped with marinara and melted mozzarella.
Ingredients
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the chopped spinach and cook until just wilted, then remove from heat.
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, egg, sautéed spinach and garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.
- Fill each pasta shell with the chicken and spinach mixture and arrange them in the dish.
- Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the shells and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Add chopped mushrooms to the filling for extra flavor.
- Mix a little Alfredo sauce with the marinara for a creamier version.
- Substitute ground chicken for shredded chicken if preferred.
- Sprinkle additional Parmesan on top before baking for extra richness.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight before reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
