Chicken Scampi Stuffed Shells Recipe

Save this recipe on:

Golden, cheesy, and utterly comforting—Chicken Scampi Stuffed Shells are a rich twist on a classic. Imagine plump pasta shells overflowing with creamy garlic chicken, herbs, and Italian cheeses, all nestled in a luscious white wine butter sauce. It’s a dish that blends the elegance of chicken scampi with the homestyle goodness of baked pasta, making every bite a creamy, garlicky, cheesy dream.

Perfect for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests at your next gathering, this recipe brings warmth to the table with its layers of flavor and indulgent textures. The shells hold a tender chicken mixture with a hint of lemon and spice, while the bubbling mozzarella and parmesan topping ensures that each forkful is irresistibly satisfying.

---

Ingredients for this Chicken Scampi Stuffed Shells Recipe

• Jumbo pasta shells – 20–24, cooked al dente
• Cooked chicken breast – 2 cups, shredded or diced
• Olive oil – 2 tbsp
• Butter – 4 tbsp
• Garlic – 5 cloves, minced
• White wine – ½ cup (optional, or use chicken broth)
• Lemon juice – 2 tbsp
• Italian seasoning – 1 tsp
• Red pepper flakes – ¼ tsp (optional for a kick)
• Heavy cream – 1 cup
• Cream cheese – 4 oz, softened
• Parmesan cheese – ½ cup, grated
• Mozzarella cheese – 1 cup, shredded (plus more for topping)
• Salt and black pepper – to taste
• Fresh parsley – chopped, for garnish

---

Step 1: Prepare the Shells

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the jumbo pasta shells until al dente, usually 9–10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside.

---

Step 2: Make the Chicken Scampi Filling

In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the white wine (or chicken broth), lemon juice, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.

Add the cooked chicken, heavy cream, cream cheese, and half of the parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and everything combines into a creamy mixture. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Turn off the heat and mix in mozzarella cheese. Let cool slightly.

---

Step 3: Fill the Shells

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish. Using a spoon, carefully fill each cooked pasta shell with the chicken scampi mixture and place them in the baking dish in a single layer.

---

Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese

In a small saucepan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and pour it evenly over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle the remaining parmesan and additional mozzarella cheese generously on top.

---

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Broil for 2–3 minutes if you prefer a crispy cheese topping.

---

Step 6: Serve

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a light squeeze of lemon juice if desired. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, savory comfort of this Chicken Scampi Stuffed Shells dish.

---

Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 6 servings total):

• Calories: ~540 kcal
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Cholesterol: 105mg

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Chicken Scampi Stuffed Shells ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the shells and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. It’s perfect for meal prep or a make-ahead dinner.

2. What can I use instead of wine?

Chicken broth is an excellent substitute for white wine in the scampi sauce. It keeps the flavor rich and family-friendly.

3. Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely. Shredded rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful option for this recipe.

4. Is there a low-fat version?

You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, and use reduced-fat cream cheese and cheese. However, the sauce may be slightly thinner.

5. What side dishes go well with this?

Serve with garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

6. Can I add vegetables to the filling?

Yes, finely chopped spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini work well. Sauté them first to remove excess moisture.

7. How do I prevent the shells from sticking together?

Rinse the cooked shells under cold water and toss them lightly with olive oil to keep them from sticking.

8. Can I use a different type of pasta?

While jumbo shells are ideal for stuffing, you could layer the filling with lasagna noodles or use manicotti tubes as an alternative.

---

Print

Save this recipe on: