There’s something undeniably comforting about a bubbling dish of Chicken & Spinach Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta and White Sauce emerging from the oven. This cozy, flavor-packed meal brings together tender chicken, fresh spinach, and velvety ricotta nestled inside perfectly cooked pasta shells, all blanketed in a luscious white sauce. In this article, we’ll explore the heartwarming story behind this recipe, walk you through the ingredients and simple steps, and share serving ideas to make every bite memorable. Whether you’re planning an easy weeknight dinner or a comforting meal for family and friends, these stuffed shells promise pure satisfaction in every forkful.
How This Chicken Pasta Shells Recipe Became a Family Favorite
Our first encounter with Chicken Pasta Shells happened on a cold, blustery evening when everyone craved something warm, cheesy, and filling. What began as an experiment to use leftover chicken quickly became a household favorite — a dish that symbolizes comfort and togetherness. The rich blend of Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells filled with creamy, savory goodness and topped with a homemade white sauce felt like a hug at the end of a busy day. Over the years, we’ve tweaked the flavors to perfection, creating what we now call our signature Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells — hearty, balanced, and crowd-pleasing every time.
There’s a quiet joy in spooning out each shell, the ricotta melting gently into a velvety sauce that perfectly clings to the pasta. It’s that combination — tender chicken, earthy spinach, and smooth cheese — that turned a simple casserole into a family staple we make for celebrations, cozy Sundays, or to welcome new neighbors.
These Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells are the definition of comfort food with minimal fuss. Each shell is a perfect little package of flavor: juicy shredded chicken adds protein and savoriness, spinach lends a pop of freshness, and the ricotta makes the filling luxuriously creamy without being heavy. Poured over with a silky white sauce and baked until golden, the finished dish delivers a mix of textures — soft pasta, melted cheese, and creamy filling — that’s simply irresistible.
Print
Chicken & Spinach Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta and White Sauce
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
These baked pasta shells are filled with tender chicken, sautéed spinach and creamy ricotta, then smothered in a velvety white sauce and melted cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners, they deliver comforting, restaurant‐quality flavor with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Cook and shred the chicken.
2. Sauté spinach until wilted, then squeeze out excess moisture.
3. Mix chicken, spinach, ricotta, Parmesan, egg, salt, pepper and garlic powder in a bowl.
4. Cook pasta shells until al dente and drain.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. Make the white sauce by melting butter, whisking in flour, then adding milk, cream, Parmesan, garlic and nutmeg until smooth.
7. Spread a thin layer of sauce in a baking dish.
8. Fill each shell with the ricotta mixture and arrange in the dish.
9. Pour remaining sauce evenly over the shells.
10. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and extra Parmesan on top.
11. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
12. Remove foil and bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
13. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: main course
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
Keywords: chicken stuffed shells, spinach ricotta shells, creamy ricotta shells, baked pasta, weeknight dinner, family meal, new mom meal, chicken alfredo shells, comfort food
Beyond their irresistible flavor, these shells fit beautifully into busy family routines. They can be prepared ahead, frozen for later, or baked fresh for quick New Mom Meals that feel like a warm hug after a long day. With wholesome ingredients and a restaurant-quality finish, these Chicken & Spinach Stuffed Shells make it effortless to bring classic comfort to your table anytime.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Creamy Chicken Spinach Stuffed Shells
Making Chicken Spinach Stuffed Shells starts with a few simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create rich layers of flavor. Below is a breakdown of everything you’ll need, grouped by component to make preparation effortless.
| Component | Ingredients | Notes / Substitutions |
|---|---|---|
| Stuffed Shell Filling | 2 cups cooked shredded chicken 1 cup chopped fresh spinach (or frozen, thawed & drained) 1½ cups ricotta cheese ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 egg Salt, pepper & garlic powder to taste | Use rotisserie or leftover chicken for convenience. Low-fat ricotta can lighten the dish without losing creaminess. |
| Pasta Shells | 20–24 jumbo pasta shells | Cook until just tender; slightly undercooked shells hold their shape better for stuffing. |
| White Sauce (Chicken Alfredo Sauce) | 3 tbsp butter 3 tbsp all-purpose flour 2 cups milk (whole or 2%) ½ cup heavy cream (optional) ½ cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese 2 cloves garlic, minced Pinch of nutmeg Salt & pepper to taste | For a lighter option, substitute half the milk with chicken broth. A prepared Chicken Alfredo Sauce may also be used. |
| Topping | 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Fresh parsley for garnish | Mozzarella melts beautifully for that signature golden finish. |
These ingredients make about 4–6 servings, perfect for family dinners or sharing as part of a New Mom Meal delivery.
Selecting the Best Ingredients:
- Use finely shredded chicken breast or thigh meat for even distribution in each shell.
- Fresh baby spinach adds vibrancy, but frozen works perfectly if drained well.
- Whole-milk ricotta provides the creamiest texture; part-skim versions can make it lighter.
- Pairing ricotta and Parmesan offers depth, while mozzarella finishes it indulgently.
Tools and Kitchen Setup
You don’t need a gourmet kitchen to create beautifully baked Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells — just a few basic tools and a smart prep plan.
Essential Tools:
- Large pot for boiling jumbo pasta shells
- Skillet or saucepan for sautéing spinach and making white sauce
- Whisk for a lump-free sauce
- Mixing bowl for the filling
- 9×13-inch baking dish for assembly
- Spoon, spatula, or piping bag for neat filling
Helpful Extras: Colander for draining pasta, kitchen tongs for handling shells, and a grater for freshly grated Parmesan.
Prep Tips for Success:
- Pre-cook the shells to al dente, then lay them flat so they don’t stick.
- Sauté spinach and squeeze out water to avoid watery filling.
- Shred the chicken while warm for easier mixing.
- Make the white sauce just before assembling to keep it smooth.
- Lightly grease the baking dish or spread sauce to prevent sticking.
Having everything organized makes these Chicken Spinach Stuffed Shells quick to prepare. With simple tools and smart prep, you’ll feel like a pro assembling a restaurant-quality comfort bake at home.
Preparing the Filling and Stuffing the Shells
Once your ingredients and tools are ready, it’s time to bring these comforting Chicken Spinach Stuffed Shells to life. This step transforms simple components into a creamy filling that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas.
- Cook and shred the chicken: Use two forks to shred cooked chicken breasts or thighs. Remove skin and bones if using rotisserie.
- Sauté the spinach: In a skillet with olive oil over medium heat, sauté fresh spinach until wilted. Squeeze out moisture and chop.
- Mix the filling: In a bowl, combine shredded chicken, spinach, ricotta, Parmesan, an egg, and seasonings. Stir until evenly blended.
- Prepare shells: Drain and cool cooked shells on a sheet pan so they’re easy to handle.
Filling Tips: Use a small spoon or piping bag to neatly fill each shell with about two tablespoons of mixture. Arrange them in a single layer in a lightly greased baking dish.
Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the shells, cover, and store in the fridge for 24 hours or freeze for longer storage. When ready, simply bake for easy, homemade comfort food — perfect for New Mom Meals or laid-back family dinners.
Baking with Creamy White Sauce and Cheese Topping
Now it’s time to layer and bake these beauties. The magic happens once the white sauce envelops the shells, melting with mozzarella into bubbly perfection.
To Make the White Sauce:
- Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour, cooking for one minute to eliminate the raw flavor.
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth and thickened.
- Stir in Parmesan, minced garlic, nutmeg, and seasonings.
- For a richer Chicken Alfredo Sauce, add a splash of cream.
Assembly:
- Spoon white sauce into the baking dish to coat the bottom.
- Arrange filled shells snugly in rows.
- Pour remaining sauce evenly over top.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and extra Parmesan for a golden finish.
Baking Instructions: Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake 10–15 minutes more until bubbling and golden. Rest 10 minutes before serving for perfect slices.
Garnish & Serve: Add fresh parsley or basil, and serve alongside garlic bread or a green salad for balance. These Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells shine on every table, whether for cozy nights or meal trains.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Spinach Stuffed Shells
Can I make Chicken & Spinach Stuffed Shells ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours or freeze for up to two months. Bake straight from frozen by adding 20 minutes to the cook time — a lifesaver for busy evenings or gifting New Mom Meals.
How do I store leftovers?
Let the dish cool, then transfer to airtight containers. Refrigerate up to 3 days, or gently reheat covered at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes. Add a splash of milk or sauce before reheating to keep it creamy.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken makes flavorful, time-saving Chicken Pasta Shells. Simply shred and mix into the ricotta filling for quick meal prep.
How can I make it lighter or vegetarian?
Use low-fat cheeses and replace chicken with mushrooms, beans, or extra spinach. Swap some cream for milk or broth for a lighter sauce — the result remains creamy and delicious.
Serving Suggestions and Conclusion
Pair these Baked Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Shells with garlic bread for dipping, or balance their richness with a crisp Caesar or garden salad. Roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or asparagus round out the meal beautifully.
Top each serving with fresh parsley or basil for a hint of color and freshness. If reheating, cover the dish lightly with foil to preserve its moist, cheesy texture.
Chicken & Spinach Stuffed Shells with Creamy Ricotta and White Sauce capture everything we love about homemade comfort food — simple ingredients, luscious flavor, and heartwarming satisfaction. Whether you’re treating your family to a cozy dinner or sharing with new parents, each bite delivers creamy ricotta, tender chicken, and silky sauce that remind us all that comfort is best when shared.
