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Marry Me Chicken Stuffed Shells

Looking for a quick dinner that’s big on flavor? These marry me chicken stuffed shells are filled with chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and ricotta, and baked in a rich, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. Wo!
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Resting Time10 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

Chicken and Pasta Shells

  • 2 lbs. chicken breast or tenderloins diced into small chunks
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 18-20 jumbo pasta shells
  • 2 cups shredded cheese Monterey jack and colby jack
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh basil
  • Salt and pepper

Marry Me Cream Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 4 oz diced sun-dried tomatoes in oil oil drained
  • 1.5 cups half and half
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup parmesan freshly shredded
  • 1 lemon zest and juice

Filling

  • 1.5 cups ricotta cheese
  • 4 oz diced sun-dried tomatoes in oil oil drained
  • 1/3 cup parmesan cheese freshly shredded
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

Cook the chicken

  • Drizzle the diced chicken with olive oil and season with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • In a large skillet, add 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook about 3-4 minutes per side or until cooked through. Set aside under tented foil.

Make the sauce

  • In the same skillet, add the butter to melt. Add in the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add in the sun-dried tomatoes and continue to stir about 30 seconds.
  • Pour in the half and half, cream, and seasonings and bring to a low boil over simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes allowing it to thicken. Add in the parmesan, stirring until it’s melted into the sauce.
  • Remove from the heat and stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice. Set aside.

Prepare the Filling

  • In a large bowl add all of the filling ingredients and mix well. Add the chicken into the filling mixture and stir until it’s evenly incorporated.
  • In a large pot of salted water, cook the shells for 10 minutes or until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

Assemble & Bake

  • Spread half the sauce until the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish. Stuff each shell with the filling and place them side by side into the dish. Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the shells. Top with a layer of shredded cheese.
  • Bake in the oven uncovered for 20 minutes or until bubbly and browned on the edges.
  • Let the pasta set for 10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.
  • Top with fresh basil and serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowl