Description
Chicken Scampi Stuffed Pasta Shells are a bold, cheesy twist on a classic! Juicy, seasoned chicken is folded into a luscious lemon-garlic scampi sauce, stuffed into jumbo pasta shells, and baked under a melty blanket of cheese. Each bite is rich, zesty, and ultra comforting. #StuffedShells #ChickenScampi #CheesyPasta #WeeknightDinner #ComfortFood
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs chicken tenders, diced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 12 oz jumbo pasta shells
- 3 cups shredded cheese (Monterey Jack, cheddar, mozzarella, or mix)
- Chicken Seasoning:
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Scampi Sauce:
- 6 tbsp softened butter, divided
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp reserved chicken seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 2/3 cup chicken stock or broth
- 1/3 cup pasta water
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 2/3 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix chicken with chicken seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken until fully cooked and slightly browned. Remove from heat.
- In another pan, melt 3 tbsp butter. Add garlic, reserved chicken seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Sauté until fragrant.
- Add white wine, chicken stock, and pasta water. Simmer until slightly reduced.
- Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, heavy cream, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Cook until sauce thickens slightly.
- Stir cooked chicken and 2 cups shredded cheese into the sauce.
- Stuff each pasta shell with the chicken mixture and place in a baking dish.
- Sprinkle remaining 1 cup shredded cheese over the shells. Dot with remaining 3 tbsp butter.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Don’t overcook pasta shells—they’ll finish softening in the oven.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor in the scampi sauce.
- For extra brightness, add a splash more lemon juice just before serving.
- This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and garlic bread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 160mg