Cheesy Chicken & Spinach Stuffed Shells Recipe

ricotta cheese

🥗Healthier: cottage cheese

💰Cheaper: cream cheese

Cottage cheese is lower in fat and calories, while cream cheese can provide a similar creamy texture.

mozzarella cheese

🥗Healthier: part-skim mozzarella

💰Cheaper: provolone cheese

Part-skim mozzarella reduces fat, while provolone can be less expensive.

parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated pecorino

Nutritional yeast is a dairy-free option, while grated pecorino can be more affordable.

cooked chicken

🥗Healthier: shredded turkey

💰Cheaper: canned chicken

Shredded turkey is leaner, while canned chicken is often less expensive.

Season 2 bone-in chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper.

Roast the chicken in the oven at 450°F for about 30-35 minutes.

While the chicken is roasting, bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a little salt.

Add jumbo pasta shells to the boiling water and cook for about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Rinse the cooked pasta shells with cold water until cool enough to handle, then separate any that are stuck together.

Once the chicken is done, let it cool, then dice it into small chunks.

Dice fresh spinach and onion, and mince garlic.

Combine the diced chicken, spinach, onion, and garlic in a large bowl and set aside.

In another bowl, mix ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, softened cream cheese, and mayonnaise until combined.

Add Italian seasoning, mozzarella cheese, beaten egg, salt, and black pepper to the cheese mixture and stir until well mixed.

Combine the cheese mixture with the chicken mixture and stir until evenly combined.

Spread half of a jar of tomato basil sauce on the bottom of a casserole dish.

Stuff each pasta shell with the chicken and cheese mixture and place them in the dish.

Spread the remaining sauce over the stuffed shells.

Bake at 350°F for about 30-35 minutes.

Sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese on top and bake for another 5-7 minutes until cheese is melted.

Garnish with parsley before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens