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If you’re searching for a Health Dinner that feels indulgent yet easy to prepare, look no further than Marry Me Chicken Stuffed Shells. This delicious twist on a viral favorite combines tender chicken, creamy ricotta, and sun-dried tomatoes, all baked together in a luscious, velvety sauce. It’s an unforgettable experience that balances richness, warmth, and simplicity, a love-at-first-bite sensation that truly lives up to its name.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Whether you’re planning a cozy Chicken Dinner, a romantic date night, or simply need a new addition to your Favorite Recipes Chicken collection, this dish checks every box. It’s hearty but not heavy, classic yet full of personality, and guaranteed to earn rave reviews from everyone at the table.
Marry Me Chicken Stuffed Shells
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Coat the diced chicken with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper, then sear for 3–4 minutes per side until fully cooked. Set aside, covered with foil to keep warm.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add sun-dried tomatoes, then pour in half and half, heavy cream, and seasonings. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until thickened, stir in parmesan, then add lemon zest and juice. Remove from heat.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta, parmesan, garlic, lemon zest, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and diced sun-dried tomatoes. Fold in the cooked chicken to make the filling.
- Cook the pasta shells in salted water until al dente. Drain and toss with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread half the sauce in a 9×13-inch dish. Stuff shells with the filling and arrange snugly. Pour remaining sauce over top, sprinkle with cheese, and bake uncovered for 20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and rest 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve with bread or salad.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe
With just a handful of wholesome ingredients and about an hour of total cooking time, this recipe proves that comfort food and Health Dinner Recipes can absolutely go hand in hand.
- Big, bold flavor in every bite. Sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, lemon zest, and a hint of Italian seasoning come together to create an irresistible balance of creamy and tangy.
- Perfectly creamy but not too rich. The sauce blends half-and-half with a little cream, offering a velvety texture that coats every pasta shell without being overly heavy.
- Family-friendly and freezer-ready. This one easily earns a recurring spot in your Chicken Dinner Recipes rotation, and yes, it tastes even better reheated the next day.
- Dinner in under an hour. Designed for busy weeknights or special occasions alike, the recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort.
In short, this is one of those Chicken Dishes Recipes that instantly wins hearts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this irresistible Marry Me Chicken Stuffed Shells recipe, you’ll need a few pantry staples and fresh, vibrant ingredients that transform into creamy perfection.
Chicken and Pasta
- 2 lbs chicken breast or tenderloins, diced into small chunks (or substitute boneless thighs for extra juiciness)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 18 to 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups shredded cheese (Monterey Jack and Colby Jack, or substitute with parmesan or pecorino)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 oz sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained)
- 1.5 cups half and half
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup parmesan, freshly shredded
- Zest and juice of 1 fresh lemon
Creamy Filling
- 1.5 cups ricotta cheese (full-fat for best texture)
- 4 oz diced sun-dried tomatoes, drained
- 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon each of salt and pepper
This balance of freshness, creaminess, and spice exemplifies modern Chicken Breast Recipes that never sacrifice indulgence for health.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Stuffed Shells
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It’s a step-by-step process that ensures perfect results every time.
Step 1 – Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Coat the diced chicken with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper, then sear for 3–4 minutes on each side until fully cooked. Set aside, keeping it warm under tented foil. This step locks in those savory, juicy flavors that make this one of the most satisfying Chicken Dinner Recipes out there.
Step 2 – Make the Cream Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Stir in the diced sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 30 seconds. Pour in half and half, heavy cream, and seasonings. Simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly thickened, then stir in the parmesan until melted. Finally, remove from heat and add lemon zest and juice for balance. The sauce should be golden, creamy, and aromatic, a true star of this Chicken Dishes Recipes lineup.
Step 3 – Mix the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, parmesan, garlic, lemon zest, seasoning, salt, pepper, and diced sun-dried tomatoes. Fold in the cooked chicken. This creamy, tangy filling transforms the pasta shells into flavorful little bundles.
Step 4 – Boil the Shells
Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente (firm to the bite). Drain and drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Proper texture is key for achieving structurally perfect shells that bake beautifully.
Step 5 – Assemble and Bake
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread half of the creamy sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Stuff each shell with the chicken-ricotta mixture and arrange them snugly in the dish. Pour the remaining sauce over the top and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
Bake uncovered for about 20 minutes until the surface bubbles and turns golden at the edges. Allow the dish to rest for 10 minutes before serving, this lets the sauce thicken slightly and enhances the overall creaminess.
Step 6 – Garnish and Serve
Top with chopped fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Pair it with crusty bread or a crisp side salad for a balanced Health Dinner meal.
Tips for Perfect Results
To elevate your Marry Me Chicken Stuffed Shells from good to unforgettable, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Even pieces: Cut chicken into small, uniform cubes for consistent cooking and easier stuffing.
- Control the heat: Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer to avoid curdling.
- Salt your pasta water: Season generously – it’s your first chance to add depth to the pasta itself.
- Go al dente: Slight firmness helps the shells maintain structure.
- Use freshness to balance: Lemon zest, juice, and basil add brightness to the creamy sauce.
Variations and Substitutions
What makes these Chicken Dinner Recipes versatile is their adaptability. You can easily modify the recipe to match your preferences or pantry supplies.
- Protein swap: Substitute chicken with ground turkey, tofu, or even plant-based alternatives for a lighter Health Dinner Recipes version.
- Veggie upgrade: Add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for an extra layer of texture and nutrition.
- Cheese variations: Parmesan and pecorino add sharpness, while goat cheese provides tang and creaminess.
- Unstuffed version: Replace shells with rigatoni or penne and bake everything casserole-style, less assembly, equally delicious.
- Spice control: Adjust red pepper flakes to your heat preference.
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers are a gift with this recipe. The flavors deepen as the sauce settles overnight, making them even tastier the next day.
- Refrigerate: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to four days.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, or portion into freezer-safe containers. Keeps for up to three months.
- Reheat: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or microwave individual portions in short intervals until heated through.
Perfect for meal prepping or saving for quick weeknight Chicken Dinner solutions.
What to Serve With Marry Me Chicken Stuffed Shells
This dish shines on its own, but simple sides make it a complete Abendessen Rezepte–style dinner. Pair with garlic bread, a crisp garden salad, or roasted vegetables for balance. On cooler nights, serve alongside a bowl of creamy mushroom or asparagus soup for the ultimate Health Dinner experience.
Related Favorites You’ll Love
If you adore cozy, flavor-forward meals like this, explore other Favorite Recipes Chicken inspirations:
- Creamy Tuscan Chicken Bake
- Lemon Garlic Chicken with Vegetables
- Sloppy Joes reinspired with Italian herbs
- Classic Chicken Parmesan
- Easy One-Pot Chicken Alfredo
Each is simple, hearty, and ideal for both weekday menus and special occasions.
Discover the ultimate comfort in every spoonful with our Rich, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe! Warm up your evenings with this flavorful, easy-to-make soup that’s perfect for cozy nights or when you need a nourishing, satisfying meal. Don’t miss out, click to read the full recipe and bring a delicious hug in a bowl to your table today!
Final Thoughts
The Marry Me Chicken Stuffed Shells recipe is everything comfort food should be: creamy, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. It’s a top-tier choice among Chicken Breast Recipes, the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table and earns repeat requests. Whether you’re cooking for family, entertaining guests, or pampering yourself with an indulgent homemade dinner, this dish embodies warmth, connection, and love – bite after delicious bite.
For detailed nutritional information on chicken, a key ingredient in this recipe, visit the USDA FoodData Central database. This resource provides comprehensive data on calories, protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals to help you make informed choices for a healthy dinner: USDA FoodData Central.
Explore these trusted sources to learn more about the nutritional value of chicken and how it can fit into your favorite chicken dishes and health dinner recipes.