When chicken Parmesan meets stuffed shells, it's love at first bite. The texture of the chicken holds up in the deliciously creamy and cheesy mixture. —Cynthia Gerken, Naples, Florida
Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells Recipe photo by Taste of Home
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1-1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon pepper, divided
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1/3 cup seasoned bread crumbs
3 cups part-skim ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup 2% milk
1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
ASSEMBLY:
4 cups meatless pasta sauce
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced and halved
Directions
Preheat oven to 375°. Cook shells according to package directions for al dente; drain. Toss with oil; spread in an even layer on a baking sheet.
For filling, toss chicken with Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat; saute chicken just until lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Reduce heat to medium; stir in butter until melted. Stir in bread crumbs; cook until crumbs are slightly toasted, 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cool slightly.
In a large bowl, mix cheeses, milk, parsley and the remaining salt and pepper. Fold in chicken.
Spread 2 cups pasta sauce into a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Fill each shell with 2-1/2 tablespoons cheese mixture; place over sauce. Top with remaining sauce and cheeses (dish will be full).
Cover with greased foil; bake 30 minutes. Uncover; bake until heated through, 10-15 minutes.
Test Kitchen tips
Avoid overcooking the pasta. Shells are easier to stuff when al dente.
To fill shells easily, spoon the filling into a plastic storage bag. Cut a 1-inch hole in the corner and pipe the filling into the shells.
Coating the foil with cooking spray keeps it from sticking to the cheese on top.
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