Mediterranean Stuffed Shells with Chicken and Garlic Butter

This is a cozy, creamy baked pasta dish that blends juicy chicken, soft ricotta, and a rich garlic butter cream sauce. The shells come out golden on top and perfectly tender, with a Mediterranean touch from herbs and fresh parsley. It’s a great dinner when you want something hearty but still bright in flavor.

Total Time: About 55 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Serves: 6

Ingredients

For the Chicken Filling

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced

1 ½ cups ricotta cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

1 tsp garlic powder

½ tsp onion powder

½ tsp Italian seasoning

Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Garlic Butter Cream Sauce

4 tbsp unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tbsp all-purpose flour

2 cups heavy cream

½ cup chicken broth

½ tsp Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper, to taste

½ cup shredded Parmesan

For Assembly

20–24 jumbo pasta shells, cooked al dente

½ cup mozzarella (for topping)

¼ cup Parmesan (for topping)

Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Cook the shells: Boil the jumbo shells in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.

Make the filling: In a bowl, mix the chicken, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined.

Start the sauce: Melt the butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant.

Add the flour: Whisk in the flour and cook for another minute to form a smooth paste.

Build the cream sauce: Slowly pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth while whisking. Let it simmer until it thickens.

Season the sauce: Add Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and Parmesan. Let it melt into the sauce. Turn off the heat.

Fill the shells: Spoon the chicken filling into each cooked shell.

Assemble: Spread a layer of the garlic butter sauce in a baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells on top. Pour the rest of the sauce over them.

Bake: Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan on top. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.

Tips

Don’t overcook the shells; they break easily when too soft.

Rinse shells under cold water so they’re easier to handle.

Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add more flavor.

If the filling seems too thick, add a spoon of cream or broth to loosen it.

Keep the sauce on low heat after thickening to avoid separating.

Taste the sauce before pouring it over the shells so the seasoning is balanced.

Use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest melt.

Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking so the sauce settles.

Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the sauce if you want a brighter Mediterranean touch.

Variations

Swap chicken with shredded turkey.

Use cottage cheese instead of ricotta for a lighter filling.

Mix chopped spinach into the filling for extra color.

Add sun-dried tomatoes to the filling for a sweet, tangy flavor.

Replace heavy cream with half-and-half to reduce richness.

Add crushed red pepper to the sauce for mild heat.

Use basil or dill instead of parsley.

Make it cheesy by adding extra mozzarella on top.

Use a marinara base under the shells if you want a hybrid red-and-white dish.

Q&A

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

Can I freeze it?

You can freeze it before or after baking. It reheats well.

How do I reheat leftovers?

Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

Can I use pre-cooked stuffed shells?

Freshly cooked shells work best because they’re firm.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of ricotta?

It won’t be as creamy but it works.

What can I use instead of chicken?

Shrimp, turkey, or even sautéed mushrooms.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes. Spinach, zucchini, or roasted peppers are great.

Why is my sauce too thick?

Add extra broth or cream to thin it out.

Why did my sauce separate?

Overheating dairy can cause that. Keep the heat low.

Can I make it spicy?

Add chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the sauce.

Nutrition

(Approx. per serving)

Based on 6 servings

Calories: ~620

Protein: ~35g

Carbs: ~42g

Fat: ~36g

Fiber: ~2g

Conclusion

This dish gives you the comfort of baked pasta with the freshness of Mediterranean flavors. The creamy garlic butter sauce ties everything together and makes it feel like a special dinner without much work. Serve it with a simple salad or roasted vegetables and you’ll have a complete, satisfying meal.