Chicken & Shrimp Stuffed Shells Recipe

If you’re looking to impress your family and friends with a dish that’s as comforting as it is decadent, then Chicken & Shrimp Stuffed Shells is your answer. These jumbo pasta shells are packed to the brim with a delicious mixture of tender chicken, succulent shrimp, and a creamy, cheesy filling, all smothered in a rich marinara sauce. This dish has everything you love about Italian comfort food but with a seafood twist that takes it to the next level. Picture biting into a perfectly stuffed shell with layers of flavor, and you’ll understand why this recipe is bound to become a favorite. Trust me, you’re going to love every cheesy, savory bite!

Why You’ll Love Chicken & Shrimp Stuffed Shells

This dish is a total winner, and here’s why you’ll be hooked from the first bite:

• Deliciously Savory: The combination of chicken and shrimp in each shell is an absolute flavor bomb. You get the best of both worlds—tender chicken and sweet, briny shrimp.
• Cheesy Goodness: The creamy, cheesy filling is made with ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan—everything you want in a stuffed pasta dish.
• Comforting & Hearty: It’s a filling meal that will satisfy any hunger and warm you right up. Perfect for cozy dinners with loved ones.
• A Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or serving up a special occasion meal, this dish is sure to impress.
• Easy to Customize: You can adjust the ingredients to fit your tastes. Add spinach or mushrooms, or swap in different types of cheese—make it your own!

Ingredients

The magic of Chicken & Shrimp Stuffed Shells lies in the perfect blend of tender chicken, juicy shrimp, and a rich, cheesy filling. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: These are the base of the dish, big enough to hold all the creamy, savory filling.
• Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are cooked and diced to provide a hearty, flavorful filling.
• Shrimp: Small shrimp, cooked and chopped, add a delicious seafood flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.
• Ricotta Cheese: This creamy cheese is the base of the filling, making it smooth and rich.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella adds a melty, gooey texture and a mild flavor that ties everything together.
• Parmesan Cheese: For a sharp, savory kick that complements the other cheeses.
• Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a little green to balance the richness of the cheese and adds a pop of color.
• Marinara Sauce: A simple marinara sauce to coat the stuffed shells and bring everything together.
• Garlic & Onion: For extra depth of flavor in the filling.
• Italian Seasoning & Salt: To bring that classic Italian flavor to the dish.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing the chicken and shrimp, giving them that beautiful, golden color.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, let’s dive into making these mouthwatering stuffed shells!

Cook the Pasta Shells

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Once they’re done, drain and set them aside to cool slightly.

Prepare the Chicken & Shrimp Filling

In a large pan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast and cook until browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. In the same pan, add the shrimp and cook until they’re pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the shrimp and chop them into small pieces.

Make the Cheese Filling

In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan cheese, spinach, and a pinch of Italian seasoning. Stir until everything is well mixed. Then, fold in the cooked chicken and shrimp. Season with salt, pepper, and more Italian seasoning to taste.

Stuff the Shells

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Take each cooked pasta shell and stuff it generously with the chicken and shrimp mixture. Place the stuffed shells into the baking dish, nestling them tightly together.

Bake the Dish

Once all the shells are stuffed and in the dish, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Serve & Enjoy

Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or extra Parmesan if desired, and then dig in!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 550
Total Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 140mg
Sodium: 840mg
Total Carbohydrates: 40g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 7g
Protein: 42g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

How to Serve Chicken & Shrimp Stuffed Shells

This hearty dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas to elevate your meal:

• Garlic Bread: Serve it with warm, crispy garlic bread to soak up all the delicious marinara sauce.
• Green Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will balance out the richness of the stuffed shells.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers make a healthy and flavorful side dish.
• A Glass of White Wine: Pair it with a glass of chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc for a refreshing complement to the meal.

Additional Tips

• Prep Ahead: You can prepare the stuffed shells in advance, refrigerating them until you’re ready to bake. This makes it a great make-ahead meal.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or mix some into the cheese filling for a little heat.
• Substitute with Crab: For a twist, swap the shrimp with crab meat to create a seafood-packed dish that’s equally delicious.
• Use Frozen Spinach: If fresh spinach is not available, you can use frozen spinach. Just be sure to thaw and drain it well before using.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use regular pasta shells instead of jumbo shells?
A1: While jumbo shells are ideal for stuffing, you can use regular pasta shells or even manicotti tubes as a substitute if needed.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can stuff the shells and assemble the dish the day before. Just cover it and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Q3: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A3: Yes, this dish freezes really well. Just cover the baked shells tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.

Q4: Can I make this dish with different proteins?
A4: Definitely! You could use all chicken or all shrimp if you prefer. Or try adding some sausage for an extra boost of flavor.

Q5: Can I make this dish without cheese?
A5: If you need a dairy-free version, you can swap out the cheeses for plant-based alternatives, though it will alter the texture a bit.

Q6: How do I reheat the leftovers?
A6: Reheat the stuffed shells in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re heated through. You can cover the dish with foil to prevent the cheese from over-browning.

Q7: What can I serve with Chicken & Shrimp Stuffed Shells?
A7: A crisp salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies are great choices to complement the rich and cheesy stuffed shells.

Q8: Can I add more vegetables to the filling?
A8: Yes! You can add mushrooms, bell peppers, or even artichoke hearts to the filling for extra flavor and texture.

Q9: Can I substitute the marinara sauce?
A9: You can swap out marinara for Alfredo sauce if you prefer a creamier dish, or try a combination of the two for a unique twist.

Q10: How can I make the filling creamier?
A10: You can mix in a bit of cream cheese or sour cream into the filling to add extra richness and creaminess.

Conclusion

Chicken & Shrimp Stuffed Shells are a delicious and satisfying dish that brings together the best of both chicken and seafood, all wrapped in a cheesy, creamy filling. It’s a comforting, hearty meal perfect for any occasion, and it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking to impress at a dinner party or need a cozy meal for a weeknight, these stuffed shells won’t disappoint. Give it a try, and get ready to dig into a dish that’s bursting with flavor!

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