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Delve into the comforting world of Cheesy Spinach and Chicken Stuffed Shells, a delightful dish that marries the rich flavors of tender chicken, creamy ricotta, and fresh spinach enveloped in tender pasta. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings, weeknight dinners, or any occasion where you want to impress without the stress. With its wholesome ingredients and delectable taste, this dish promises to satisfy both the palate and the heart.

Cheesy Spinach and Chicken Stuffed Shells

Discover the comforting flavors of Cheesy Spinach and Chicken Stuffed Shells, a dish that combines tender chicken, creamy ricotta, and fresh spinach all wrapped in jumbo pasta. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees a satisfying meal. With layers of marinara sauce and gooey cheese, it’s a crowd-pleaser every time. Explore how to create this delicious dish, and enjoy the warmth of home-cooked comfort food.
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Ingredients
  

20 jumbo pasta shells

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (or ½ cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 large egg

2 cups marinara sauce

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) for a perfectly baked dish.

    Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Once cooked, drain the shells and set them aside to cool down slightly.

      Prepare the Filling: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, ½ cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, beaten egg, Italian seasoning, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until the filling is cohesive and all ingredients are evenly distributed.

        Stuff the Shells: Take each cooked pasta shell and carefully spoon or pipe in the chicken and spinach mixture until they are generously filled.

          Assemble the Dish: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Place the stuffed shells in a single layer over this sauce. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are well-coated. Then, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top for that delicious cheesy finish.

            Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake it in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After that, carefully remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden brown.

              Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, let the stuffed shells cool for about 5 minutes before serving. If using, garnish with fresh basil leaves to enhance the flavor and add a lovely pop of color.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 minutes | 50 minutes | Serves 4-6