Zesty Chicken Scampi Stuffed Shells Recipe: A Flavor Explosion

Tender pasta shells cradle a delightful chicken scampi stuffing that whispers of coastal Italian kitchens.

The marriage of succulent chicken and garlic-infused goodness creates a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Delicate shells burst with robust flavors that dance across your palate.

Each bite promises a perfect blend of creamy cheese and zesty seasonings.

Garlic and herbs mingle effortlessly within the plump pasta pockets.

Fresh ingredients elevate this classic dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

You’ll find yourself falling in love with every savory forkful of this irresistible comfort meal.

Shells Served Hot and Savory

• Cozy Family Feast: Perfect for weekly dinner or weekend gathering with loved ones.
• Pasta Party Platter: Create a colorful spread by adding fresh parsley garnish and lemon wedges around the dish.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Complement the rich scampi sauce with crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
• Side Dish Companions: Serve alongside roasted vegetables or light garden salad to balance the creamy pasta shells.

Storage for Chicken Scampi Stuffed Shells

• Store leftover chicken scampi stuffed shells in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual portions or entire dish tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label container with date for tracking.
• Place shells on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature midway.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover dish with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F. Remove foil last 5 minutes for crispy cheese top.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, thaw chicken completely and pat dry before seasoning and cooking. Ensure chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165F.

• What type of wine works best for the sauce?

A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc provides the best flavor profile for the scampi sauce. Avoid sweet wines.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe is mild with standard chicken seasoning. If you prefer heat, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the chicken or sauce for extra kick.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Prepare the chicken, sauce, and stuff shells up to 24 hours in advance. Store covered in refrigerator and bake when ready to serve. Add 5-10 minutes to baking time if starting from cold.

Chicken Scampi Stuffed Shells Highlights

• Dive into a dish that transforms classic chicken scampi into a hearty, cheesy pasta experience perfect for satisfying comfort food cravings.
• Adapt the recipe by swapping chicken for shrimp or adding extra vegetables to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Create a crowd-pleasing meal that appeals to both kids and adults, making dinnertime a delightful shared experience with minimal fuss.
• Prepare a gourmet-style dinner in under an hour, combining simple ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques for a stress-free meal preparation.

All the Ingredients for Scampi Shells

• Chicken: Protein base for the stuffed shells that provides a tender and flavorful filling.
• Pasta Shells: Large pasta shells that create a perfect vessel for holding the chicken mixture.
• Cheese: Adds creaminess and rich flavor to the dish.

• Garlic, Butter, Wine: Classic scampi flavor combination that creates a delicious base sauce.
• Chicken Seasoning: Provides depth of flavor to the chicken and overall dish.
• Olive Oil: Helps cook the chicken and adds a subtle richness.

• Salt, Pepper: Enhances the overall seasoning of the dish.

Tools for Stuffed Shell Success

• Large Skillet: Perfect for cooking chicken and sautéing garlic with precise heat control.
• Baking Dish: Essential for assembling and baking stuffed shells evenly.
• Cutting Board: Needed for dicing chicken and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Used for precise chicken cutting and ingredient preparation.
• Mixing Bowl: Great for combining chicken filling and cheese.
• Measuring Spoons: Crucial for accurate seasoning measurements.
• Wooden Spoon: Helpful for stirring sauce and mixing ingredients.
• Cheese Grater: Useful for shredding cheese if not pre-shredded.

Cooking Guide for Chicken Scampi Shells

Step 1: Sizzle and Season Chicken

Grab your chicken and sprinkle it with a delightful blend of seasonings.

Drizzle some olive oil and massage the spices into the meat.

Heat up a skillet and cook the chicken until it’s perfectly golden and reaches a safe internal temperature.

Let those flavors dance and sear beautifully.

Step 2: Craft Luxurious Sauce

Melt butter in a pan and let fragrant garlic sizzle gently.

Pour in white wine and let it reduce, creating a rich base.

• Heavy cream
• Italian herbs
• Lemon juice
• Salt
• Black pepper

Simmer the sauce until it thickens into a velvety consistency.

While the sauce develops, boil pasta shells until they’re tender yet firm.

Step 3: Create Flavorful Filling

Shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.

• Cream cheese
• Half of the shredded cheese blend
• Chopped parsley

Step 4: Build Delicious Layers

Spread a generous layer of sauce across a baking dish.

Carefully stuff each pasta shell with the chicken mixture.

Nestle the filled shells into the sauce.

Pour remaining sauce over the shells, ensuring each one is lovingly coated.

Step 5: Bake to Bubbly Perfection

Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.

Slide the dish into a preheated oven.

Bake until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbling masterpiece and edges turn crispy.

Tips for Creamy Stuffed Shells

• Use a blend of herbs and spices to enhance the chicken's flavor, ensuring each bite is packed with deliciousness.
• Simmer the sauce slowly to achieve the right thickness, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and create a smooth texture.
• Fill pasta shells gently to avoid tearing, using a small spoon or piping bag for neat and even distribution of the chicken mixture.
• Sprinkle cheese evenly over the top and use the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes to create a golden, crispy cheese crust.
• Substitute dairy cheese with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese alternatives for a lactose-free version of this comforting dish.

Unique Twists for Scampi Shells

• Seafood Sensation: Replace chicken with shrimp or crab meat for a delectable ocean-inspired version of the stuffed shells.
• Vegetarian Delight: Swap chicken with ricotta cheese, spinach, and mushrooms for a plant-based alternative that's equally satisfying.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta shells and ensure all seasonings and sauces are gluten-free certified for those with dietary restrictions.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute pasta shells with zucchini boats or large bell pepper halves, keeping the flavorful chicken and sauce intact.

Chicken Scampi Stuffed Shells Recipe

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4.5 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Delightful chicken scampi stuffed shells combine Italian and American flavors in a creamy, cheesy pasta dish. Garlic, herbs, and tender chicken create a satisfying meal that brings comfort to your dining table.

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Ingredients

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Main Components:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) jumbo pasta shells
• 2 pounds (907 grams) chicken tenders, diced
• 3 cups shredded cheese (monterey jack, cheddar, mozzarella), divided
• 3 tablespoons olive oil

Chicken Seasoning:

• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Scampi Sauce:

• 6 tablespoons softened butter, divided
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 2/3 cup chicken stock
• 1/3 cup pasta water
• 1 lemon, zest and juice
• 2/3 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup parmesan
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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Instructions

1. Infuse diced chicken with reserved seasoning and oil, then sauté in olive oil until reaching a safe internal temperature of 165F.
2. Create a rich sauce by gently sweating garlic in butter, deglazing with wine, and incorporating remaining sauce ingredients. Simmer until thickened while simultaneously cooking pasta shells to al dente perfection.
3. Combine the perfectly cooked chicken with half of the shredded cheese, creating a delectable filling mixture.
4. Establish a flavor foundation by spreading a layer of sauce in the baking dish. Carefully stuff shells with the chicken-cheese blend and nestle them into the sauce, then generously drench with remaining sauce.
5. Crown the dish with the remaining cheese and bake at 375F for 15-20 minutes, allowing the shells to become golden and bubbling with irresistible aroma.

Notes

• Check chicken temperature precisely with a meat thermometer to ensure safe, juicy protein without overcooking.
• Experiment with white wine varieties like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to create subtle flavor variations in the sauce.
• Use gluten-free pasta shells and cornstarch instead of flour for a celiac-friendly version of this comforting dish.
• Consider adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley right before serving to brighten the overall flavor profile and add visual appeal.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg