Chicken Scampi Stuffed Shells

Featured in Center of the plate recipes.

These Chicken Scampi Stuffed Shells combine the best of Italian-American comfort food. Jumbo pasta shells are filled with perfectly seasoned diced chicken and a blend of cheeses, then bathed in a rich scampi sauce featuring white wine, garlic, lemon, and cream. The dish builds layers of flavor by using reserved chicken seasoning in the sauce and pasta water to create the perfect consistency. Topped with more cheese and baked until golden and bubbly, this impressive meal comes together in just 45 minutes while delivering restaurant-quality results.
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Updated on Sat, 18 Jan 2025 11:56:26 GMT
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Chicken Scampi Stuffed Pasta Shells | myhomemaderecipe.com

Combine the elegance of scampi with comfort of stuffed shells in this creative twist on two classics. Each shell bursts with tender chicken in a luxurious white wine and lemon sauce, all topped with perfectly melted cheese that creates an impressive yet achievable dinner.

One evening while craving both comfort food and something special, I combined scampi sauce with stuffed shells. The way the shells caught and held the sauce while protecting the tender chicken inside was a revelation.

Essential Ingredients

  • Jumbo Pasta Shells: Must be large enough to stuff
  • Chicken Tenders: Stay moist and tender
  • Fresh Garlic: Essential for scampi flavor
  • Quality White Wine: Creates classic sauce base
  • Fresh Lemon: Both juice and zest needed
  • Heavy Cream: Makes sauce silky smooth
  • Three Cheeses: Each adds different qualities
  • Fresh Parsley: Brightens finished dish

Detailed Instructions

Shell Preparation (15 minutes):
Bring large pot of water to boil. Salt water generously. Cook shells until barely al dente. They'll finish cooking during baking. Drain and cool slightly. Handle carefully to prevent tearing.
Chicken and Sauce Creation (20 minutes):
Dice chicken into small, uniform pieces. Season generously with spice mixture. Cook until just done. Remove chicken and set aside. Add butter to same pan. Sauté garlic until fragrant. Add wine and reduce by half. Whisk in cream and seasonings. Simmer until thickened.
Filling Assembly (10 minutes):
Mix cooked chicken with portion of cheese. Add touch of sauce to mixture. Season to taste. Let cool slightly before handling. Prepare baking dish with sauce layer. Fill each shell carefully. Place shells in prepared dish.
Final Baking (15-20 minutes):
Pour remaining sauce over shells. Top with cheese combination. Cover loosely with foil. Bake until bubbly. Remove foil for final browning. Let rest before serving.
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Chicken Scampi Stuffed Pasta Shells | myhomemaderecipe.com

The secret to perfect stuffed shells revealed itself when I started letting the pasta cool just enough to handle - too cool and they become difficult to fill, too hot and they tear.

Professional Chef Tips

  • Cook extra shells in case some break
  • Grate cheese fresh for better melting
  • Keep pasta water for thinning sauce
  • Use room temperature cream to prevent curdling

Make-Ahead Solutions

  • Cook and stuff shells up to 24 hours ahead
  • Prepare sauce but keep separate
  • Store filled shells covered in refrigerator
  • Bring to room temperature before baking
  • Add sauce just before putting in oven
Chicken Scampi Stuffed Pasta Shells pin it
Chicken Scampi Stuffed Pasta Shells | myhomemaderecipe.com

Perfect Pairings

  • Crisp green salad
  • Roasted asparagus
  • Garlic bread
  • Light white wine like Pinot Grigio

Variations Worth Trying

  • Use shrimp instead of chicken
  • Try different cheese combinations
  • Add spinach to filling
  • Include sun-dried tomatoes
  • Try spicy Italian sausage

This Chicken Scampi Stuffed Shells recipe proves that combining two classics can create something even better than the originals. Whether served for a special occasion or family dinner, it brings together the best of both worlds - the sophistication of scampi sauce with the comfort of stuffed shells. Each time I make it, I'm reminded that sometimes the most memorable dishes come from creative combinations.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What kind of white wine should I use?
Use a dry white wine that's good enough to drink - the sauce will concentrate its flavors.
→ Can I use different cheese blends?
Yes, any combination of monterey jack, cheddar, and mozzarella works well.
→ Why save the pasta water?
The starchy pasta water helps create a silky texture in the sauce.
→ Can I make this ahead?
You can stuff the shells ahead, but add the sauce and bake just before serving.
→ Why reserve some seasoning mix?
The reserved seasoning adds an extra layer of flavor to the scampi sauce.

Stuffed Chicken Scampi Shells

Jumbo pasta shells filled with seasoned chicken and cheese, all smothered in a rich garlicky lemon-wine butter sauce for a flavorful, comforting dish.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Main Components

01 2 lbs chicken tenders, diced
02 3 tablespoons olive oil
03 12 oz jumbo pasta shells
04 3 cups shredded cheese (monterey jack, cheddar, mozzarella), divided

→ Chicken Seasoning

05 2 teaspoons paprika
06 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
07 1 teaspoon garlic powder
08 1 teaspoon onion powder
09 1/2 teaspoon oregano
10 1/2 teaspoon salt
11 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Scampi Sauce

12 6 tablespoons softened butter, divided
13 5 cloves garlic, minced
14 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
15 1 cup dry white wine
16 2/3 cup chicken stock
17 1/3 cup pasta water
18 1 lemon, zest and juice
19 2/3 cup heavy cream
20 1/3 cup parmesan
21 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

Step 01

Mix chicken seasoning (reserve 1 tsp). Coat diced chicken with oil and seasoning. Cook in olive oil until internal temp reaches 165°F.

Step 02

Sauté garlic in butter. Add wine and reduce. Add remaining ingredients to make sauce. Simmer until thickened. Meanwhile, cook pasta shells to al dente.

Step 03

Mix cooked chicken with half the shredded cheese.

Step 04

Spread sauce in baking dish. Fill shells with chicken mixture, arrange in dish. Pour remaining sauce over shells.

Step 05

Top with remaining cheese and bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until bubbly.

Notes

  1. Can use different cheese combinations
  2. Use wine good enough to drink
  3. Reserve pasta water for sauce

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13 baking dish
  • Large sauté pan
  • Pasta pot

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (cheese, butter, cream)
  • Contains gluten (pasta shells)