Sure, let’s dive into the delicious recipe for Stuffed Jumbo Shells, a delightful dish that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. These shells are generously filled with a savory mixture of chicken, cheese, and aromatic spices, then baked to perfection with a rich tomato sauce. 🍝🧀
Stuffed Jumbo Shells
Ingredients:
- 6 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breast halves, diced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 cup light ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup fat-free cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 3/4 cups tomato sauce
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
Instructions:
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This ensures it’s ready when your stuffed shells are prepared and ready for baking.
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Cook Pasta: Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package directions until they are just tender. Once cooked, drain them well and set them aside.
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Prepare Filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced chicken and finely chopped onion to the skillet, and cook until the chicken is fully cooked through, which typically takes about 7 to 9 minutes. Once cooked, stir in the breadcrumbs, and then remove the skillet from the heat.
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Mix Cheese Mixture: In a separate mixing bowl, combine the egg, ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, dried oregano, dried basil, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated. Then, add the cooked chicken mixture to the bowl and mix until evenly combined.
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Fill the Shells: Take each cooked jumbo shell and generously fill it with the prepared chicken and cheese mixture. Place the filled shells in a 11×7 inch baking pan, arranging them in a single layer.
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Prepare Tomato Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the tomato sauce and sliced mushrooms. Then, stir in the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. This savory sauce will be poured over the stuffed shells, adding extra flavor and moisture.
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Assemble and Bake: Pour the tomato sauce mixture evenly over the stuffed shells in the baking pan. If desired, sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the top for an extra layer of cheesy goodness. You can also add more mozzarella cheese for an extra gooey finish.
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Bake: Cover the baking pan with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the filling is heated through.
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Serve: Once baked to perfection, remove the stuffed jumbo shells from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy this comforting and satisfying meal with your loved ones!
This recipe serves 4 people, making it ideal for a family dinner or a cozy gathering with friends. Each serving is packed with flavor and wholesome ingredients, providing a hearty and satisfying meal that everyone will love. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these Stuffed Jumbo Shells are sure to impress! 🍽️✨
