Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Shells Bake
Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and spinach, these stuffed shells bake into bubbly perfection.
Total: 65 minPrep: 20 minCook: 45 min8 servingsDifficulty: Medium⭐ 4.7 (123+ ratings)$
Ingredients
Servings:
- 12 oz jumbo pasta shells, cooked
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Steps
- 1 Preheat oven to 375°F.
- 2 In a skillet, cook ground chicken until browned; drain and set aside.
- 3 In a bowl, mix cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, cooked chicken, spinach, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- 4 Stuff each pasta shell with the mixture.
- 5 Place stuffed shells in a greased baking dish and pour marinara sauce over the top.
- 6 Bake for 45 minutes, or until bubbly.
- 7 Garnish with parsley before serving.
Equipment
- Baking dish
- Skillet
- Mixing bowl
Variations
- Substitute ground chicken with ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts for extra flavor.
Substitutions
- If you're out of cream cheese, use ricotta mixed with a bit of milk for a similar texture.
Pairings
- Pairs well with a light white wine or sparkling water with lemon.
Nutrition
Calories:
350 kcal
Fat:
15g fat
Carbs:
30g carbohydrates
Protein:
25g protein
Fiber:
2g fiber
Sugar:
6g sugar
Sodium:
600mg sodium
Tips
- For extra cheesiness, sprinkle additional mozzarella on top before baking.
- These stuffed shells can be assembled ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Freezing: Freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat covered with foil at 350°F until heated through.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
FAQ
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely, fresh spinach works great! Just make sure to chop it finely.