Description
Cheesy Chicken Shells is a creamy, comforting, and flavorful dinner that combines tender shredded chicken, gooey sharp cheddar cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta shells. Ready in under 30 minutes, this quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, delivering a rich cheese sauce and hearty protein that both kids and adults will love. Customize it easily with your favorite cheeses, veggies, or dietary preferences for a versatile and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
Pasta
- 8 oz medium pasta shells
Dairy & Fats
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the pasta shells. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/4 cup of the pasta water for later use, then set the pasta aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts lightly with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium heat with a bit of oil and cook the chicken breasts for 6-8 minutes per side until fully cooked and golden brown. Let the chicken cool slightly, then shred into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in garlic powder and then slowly whisk in the heavy cream and grated sharp cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta shells and shredded chicken to the cheese sauce. Toss gently to combine, ensuring the sauce coats every shell. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Finish with Parmesan and Seasonings: Sprinkle in the parmesan cheese along with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well and cook for another 2 minutes to let all the flavors meld together beautifully.
Notes
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for better melting and vibrant flavor.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
- Cook pasta al dente to prevent mushiness when combined with sauce.
- Flatten chicken breasts slightly before cooking for even and juicy meat.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil just before serving for brightness and color.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: cheesy chicken shells, creamy chicken pasta, quick chicken dinner, comfort food, weeknight dinner, cheesy pasta bake alternative, easy chicken recipe
