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Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Shells : Easy Cheesy Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Shells Recipe

Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Shells

A creamy, comforting dish filled with tender jumbo pasta shells, chicken, and spinach, baked in a rich tomato sauce with melty mozzarella.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

Pasta Shells
  • 16 jumbo pasta shells
Chicken & Spinach Filling
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast cooked and shredded
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese whole-milk for richness
  • 10 oz fresh spinach chopped fine
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese optional
  • 1 large egg for binding
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
Sauce
  • 2 cups marinara sauce store-bought or homemade
Optional Additions
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 cup cream for extra richness (optional)

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish,
  • Large pot
  • skillet,
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook jumbo pasta shells just shy of al dente according to package instructions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and spread on a clean towel to prevent sticking.
  3. In a skillet over medium heat, warm a little butter and olive oil. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted. If using frozen spinach, make sure it’s fully thawed and squeezed-dry before cooking.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked and shredded chicken, cooled spinach, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly combined.
  5. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  6. Fill each jumbo pasta shell generously with the chicken-ricotta mixture. Arrange the shells in the dish, seam side up.
  7. Cover the shells with the remaining marinara sauce. Sprinkle extra mozzarella on top.
  8. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
  9. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the stuffed shells set slightly for easier slicing.

Nutrition

Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 25gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 520mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 420mgIron: 2.5mg

Notes

This dish is great for busy weeknights or dinner parties. You can freeze assembled shells for later reheating.
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