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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Infuse diced chicken with reserved seasoning and oil, then sauté in olive oil until reaching a safe internal temperature of 165F.
- 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.
- Combine the perfectly cooked chicken with half of the shredded cheese, creating a delectable filling mixture.
- 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.
- 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