Introduction
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the hearty and satisfying flavors of Stuffed Shells with Chicken and Garlic Butter. This delectable Italian-inspired recipe combines tender pasta shells filled with a savory mixture of chicken and creamy garlic butter sauce, creating a dish that is sure to please the whole family. Whether you are looking for a cozy weeknight meal or a dish to impress guests at a dinner party, these stuffed shells are a delicious and versatile option.
With the perfect balance of rich flavors and comforting textures, Stuffed Shells with Chicken and Garlic Butter is a dish that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. The combination of tender chicken, fragrant garlic, and creamy butter sauce creates a mouthwatering filling that is complemented perfectly by the al dente pasta shells. Whether you are a seasoned home cook or just starting out in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
One of the best things about Stuffed Shells with Chicken and Garlic Butter is its versatility. You can easily customize the filling to suit your taste preferences, adding additional ingredients such as spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor. Whether you are following a specific dietary plan or simply looking to use up ingredients in your pantry, this recipe can easily be adapted to suit your needs.
In this article, we will walk you through the process of making Stuffed Shells with Chicken and Garlic Butter, from gathering the ingredients to serving up this delicious dish. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a meal that is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Before you begin making Stuffed Shells with Chicken and Garlic Butter, make sure you have the following ingredients on hand:
– Jumbo pasta shells (about 20 shells)
– Cooked chicken, shredded (2 cups)
– Butter (1/2 cup)
– Garlic cloves, minced (4 cloves)
– All-purpose flour (1/4 cup)
– Milk (2 cups)
– Parmesan cheese, grated (1 cup)
– Mozzarella cheese, shredded (1 cup)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Feel free to add or substitute ingredients based on your preferences. You can also include additional seasonings or vegetables to enhance the flavor of the dish.
Steps
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Stir in the flour and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
5. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring until the mixture is smooth and thickened.
6. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the shredded chicken, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
7. Spoon the chicken mixture into the cooked pasta shells and place them in the prepared baking dish.
8. In a small bowl, combine the mozzarella cheese with any remaining Parmesan cheese and sprinkle the mixture over the stuffed shells.
9. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Variations
There are endless ways to customize Stuffed Shells with Chicken and Garlic Butter to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few variations you can try:
– Add chopped spinach or kale to the chicken mixture for added nutrition.
– Substitute cooked ground turkey or beef for the chicken for a different flavor profile.
– Drizzle the stuffed shells with marinara sauce before baking for a tangy twist.
– Top the dish with breadcrumbs for added crunch and texture.
– Mix in sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a burst of flavor.
Feel free to get creative and experiment with different ingredients to create a unique version of this classic dish.
Tips
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Stuffed Shells with Chicken and Garlic Butter turn out perfectly:
– Be sure to generously season the chicken mixture with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
– Use a piping bag or a small spoon to fill the pasta shells neatly and efficiently.
– Don’t overcook the pasta shells during the initial cooking stage, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
– Let the dish rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
– Garnish the stuffed shells with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness.
Conclusion
Stuffed Shells with Chicken and Garlic Butter is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you are cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. With its creamy filling, flavorful chicken, and aromatic garlic butter sauce, these stuffed shells are a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
So, next time you are looking for a hearty and satisfying meal that is easy to make and full of flavor, give Stuffed Shells with Chicken and Garlic Butter a try. With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this recipe is a great option for cooks of all skill levels. Enjoy the process of creating this delicious dish and savor the compliments from your friends and family as they dig into these delectable stuffed shells.
FAQs
Q: Can I prepare Stuffed Shells with Chicken and Garlic Butter in advance?
A: Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells ahead of time and refrigerate them until you are ready to bake. This is a great option for meal prep or entertaining.
Q: Can I freeze Stuffed Shells with Chicken and Garlic Butter?
A: Yes, you can freeze the assembled stuffed shells before baking. Simply cover the dish tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, allow the dish to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
A: While jumbo pasta shells are traditional for this dish, you can certainly experiment with other pasta shapes such as manicotti or large cannelloni tubes. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the pasta shape you choose.
Q: How can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: To make a vegetarian version of this dish, simply omit the chicken and add more vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to the filling. You can also use a plant-based milk and cheese alternatives for a vegan-friendly option.
🍗🧄 Stuffed Shells with Chicken and Garlic Butter
Delicious jumbo pasta shells filled with a savory mixture of chicken and creamy garlic butter sauce, baked to perfection with melted mozzarella cheese. A hearty and comforting dish with rich flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Stir in the flour and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
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Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth and thickened.
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Remove from heat and stir in shredded chicken, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
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Fill the cooked pasta shells with the chicken mixture and place them in the baking dish.
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Combine mozzarella cheese with any remaining Parmesan and sprinkle over the stuffed shells.
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Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
