Cheesy Shells with Chicken
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Shells with Chicken recipe—a creamy, dreamy pasta dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Tender medium pasta shells are coated in a velvety, three-cheese sauce made from cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan, while succulent, bite-sized chicken pieces seasoned with Italian herbs add a savory depth to every bite. This easy-to-make crowd-pleaser is ready in just 45 minutes and boasts a rich, homemade cheese sauce thickened with a simple roux and infused with aromatic garlic. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Whether you're feeding a hungry family or satisfying your own cravings, this one-pot pasta masterpiece will have everyone coming back for seconds. Keywords: cheesy shells, chicken pasta recipe, creamy cheese sauce, easy weeknight dinner, comfort food recipes.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces medium pasta shells
- 1 pound chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 units garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2.5 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook until just al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, prepare the chicken. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Sprinkle them with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring it is smooth. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce begins to thicken.
Stir in the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Mix well to coat.
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1097 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 52.8 g | 68% | |
| Saturated Fat | 28.5 g | 143% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 225 mg | 75% | |
| Sodium | 1369 mg | 60% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 78.5 g | 29% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.3 g | 12% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.5 g | ||
| Protein | 77.1 g | 154% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.3 mcg | 11% | |
| Calcium | 940 mg | 72% | |
| Iron | 2.4 mg | 13% | |
| Potassium | 647 mg | 14% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
