🌟 Savory Ham and Chicken Stuffed Pasta Shells Recipe 🍝

Stuffed Pasta Shells 🍝

Overview:

Enjoy the delightful flavors of these Stuffed Pasta Shells, a perfect dish for those hot summer days! 🌞 This recipe combines the richness of ham, the tenderness of chicken, and the crispness of celery and apple, all wrapped in tender pasta shells. 🥚🍗🍏 Finished with a creamy mayo dressing and a hint of mustard, this dish is both refreshing and satisfying. With just a bit of prep and a chill in the fridge, you’ll have a fantastic meal ready to serve. Let’s dive into the details! 🍴

Recipe Details:

• Name: Stuffed Pasta Shells
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes (+ 1 hour chilling time)
• Servings: 6
• Category: One Dish Meal
• Keywords: Ham, Chicken, Pasta Shells, Pork, Poultry, Meat, Brunch, < 60 Mins

Ingredients:

Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious dish:

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 228
• Total Fat: 12.8g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5g
• Cholesterol: 61.4mg
• Sodium: 184.4mg
• Carbohydrates: 9.9g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 5.9g
• Protein: 18.1g

Instructions:

Let’s get cooking these scrumptious Stuffed Pasta Shells:

1. Cook Pasta Shells:
   • Begin by cooking the pasta shells in a pot of boiling, salted water according to the package instructions. 🍲
2. Drain and Cool:
   • Once the pasta shells are cooked al dente, drain them and then place them into cold water. This helps stop the cooking process and keeps them firm. 💧
3. Prepare the Filling:
   • In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked ham (chopped into bite-sized pieces), celery (finely diced), tart apple (also finely diced), mayonnaise, dry mustard, and lemon juice. Mix everything well to ensure all flavors are evenly distributed. 🥗
4. Season to Taste:
   • Season the mixture with salt to your liking. Taste as you go to get the perfect balance of flavors. 🧂
5. Stuff the Shells:
   • Next, drain the cooked pasta shells once more and pat them dry gently with paper towels. This removes excess water and ensures the filling stays put. 🌊
   • Take each pasta shell and generously stuff it with the prepared salad mixture. Fill them to the brim for that burst of flavors in every bite! 🥟
6. Arrange for Serving:
   • Now, it’s time to present your culinary masterpiece! 🎨
   • Line a serving platter with fresh, crisp lettuce leaves. These not only add a pop of color but also create a lovely bed for your stuffed shells. 🥬
   • Carefully place the stuffed pasta shells on the lettuce leaves, arranging them neatly on the platter. 🍽️
7. Extra Salad in the Middle:
   • Spoon any remaining salad mixture into the center of the platter, creating a beautiful presentation and ensuring no delicious filling goes to waste! 🥄
8. Chill and Serve:
   • Cover the platter with plastic wrap or foil and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the taste. ❄️
9. Serve and Enjoy:
   • When you’re ready to serve, bring out the platter and watch as everyone’s eyes light up at the sight of these enticing Stuffed Pasta Shells! 🤩
   • These make for a fantastic meal on their own, perfect for a light lunch or brunch. 🍽️
   • Pair them with a fresh salad, some crusty bread, or enjoy as a side dish alongside grilled meats or seafood. 🥗🥖🍤
10. Bon Appétit! 🍴
    • Dive into these delightful Stuffed Pasta Shells and savor the medley of flavors with each bite. 😋
    • Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family—they’ll thank you for introducing them to this delicious creation! 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Tips and Variations:

• Make It Ahead:

  • Prepare the salad mixture a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. When ready to serve, simply stuff the pasta shells and arrange on the platter. Easy peasy! 🌟

• Add Some Crunch:

  • Want to amp up the texture? Add a handful of toasted nuts such as walnuts or pecans to the salad mixture. It adds a delightful crunch to every bite! 🥜

• Go Veggie:

  • For a vegetarian version, skip the ham and chicken. Instead, try adding in some grilled veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes. 🌽🍅

• Spice It Up:

  • If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the salad mixture. It’ll give your Stuffed Pasta Shells a kick! 🌶️

• Play with Pasta Shapes:

  • While shells work wonderfully, feel free to get creative with other pasta shapes! Fusilli, penne, or even lasagna sheets (cut into squares) can be used for this recipe. 🍝

• Garnish Galore:

  • Before serving, garnish the platter with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives. It adds a touch of freshness and looks oh-so-pretty! 🌿✨

Conclusion:

Now that you have the recipe for these delightful Stuffed Pasta Shells, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get cooking! 🍽️ Whether it’s a light lunch, a brunch gathering, or a potluck dish, these shells are sure to impress. 🌟 With the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and a hint of creativity, this recipe is a winner. 🏆 So, roll up your sleeves, stuff those shells, and get ready to indulge in a taste sensation that’ll leave everyone craving for more! 🤤 Enjoy, and happy cooking! 🎉