Pesto Chicken Stuffed Shells | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this #pasta dish is superb! #chicken, #pesto sauce, 3 #cheeses, mushrooms & seasonings make it the perfect entree for dinner. Our company raved over it!

Pesto Chicken Stuffed Shells

Teresa Ambra

Pesto Chicken Stuffed Shells are marvelous. My husband really liked this dish (which is always a plus!) The shells are stuffed with chicken, cream cheese, freshly grated parmesan and Asiago cheeses, pesto sauce, sauteed mushrooms, garlic and green onions and seasoned Italian-style with oregano, basil, Italian seasoning and parsley. This recipe cooks up to perfection. We love it!

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I used leftover chicken from the Roast Chicken the first time I made the recipe. The second time I boiled off two whole boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the crockpot and used that instead. Either way works fine.

I shortened the cooking time on the shells by about 5 minutes so the pasta wouldn’t tear apart when cooking. You want them to be al dente–not cooked all the way through. But make sure you cook them long enough that they aren’t still hard and gummy when you try to eat them either!

Pesto Chicken Stuffed Shells is a wonderful dish you’re whole family will enjoy. It’s nice enough for company, too. Add a loaf of bread and a side salad and you’re off and running! I loved how this dish turned out and think I may even add artichoke hearts the next time I make it! Yeah!

When I initially published this recipe in April 2013, I was not yet proficient enough to use my Canon camera. Consequently, the pictures were taken with an iPhone so they weren’t quite as nice as I would have liked.

I recently remade this recipe (January 2017) for a Disciple Now weekend at our church. I thought the freshman high school girls I was preparing food for would enjoy this recipe. Not only did they enjoy it, these shells were scooped up and cleaned out almost immediately.

The folks that were hosting the girls also said how much they enjoyed the recipe, grabbing as many of the shells as they could! I served it with a tasty Roasted Cauliflower, Creamy Grape Salad and Peanut Butter Swirl Bars. They enjoyed everything and cleaned it out to the last bite!

Pesto Chicken Stuffed Shells | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this #pasta dish is superb! #chicken, #pesto sauce, 3 #cheeses, mushrooms & seasonings make it the perfect entree for dinner. Our company raved over it!

Pesto Chicken Stuffed Shells is an awesome main dish. I loved the richness of the asiago and parmesan cheeses melted over the top of this delicious dish.

Pesto Chicken Stuffed Shells | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this #pasta dish is superb! #chicken, #pesto sauce, 3 #cheeses, mushrooms & seasonings make it the perfect entree for dinner. Our company raved over it!

Pesto Chicken Stuffed Shells are some of the tastiest stuffed shells you’ll ever eat.

Pesto Chicken Stuffed Shells | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this #pasta dish is superb! #chicken, #pesto sauce, 3 #cheeses, mushrooms & seasonings make it the perfect entree for dinner. Our company raved over it!

This recipe did take some prep time but it was worth it.

Here’s what I did.

Pesto Chicken Stuffed Shells | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this #pasta dish is superb! #chicken, #pesto sauce, 3 #cheeses, mushrooms & seasonings make it the perfect entree for dinner. Our company raved over it!

I used these ingredients. I had previously cooked off boneless chicken breasts in my crockpot.

Pesto Chicken Stuffed Shells | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this #pasta dish is superb! #chicken, #pesto sauce, 3 #cheeses, mushrooms & seasonings make it the perfect entree for dinner. Our company raved over it!

Pour some olive oil in a skillet. Add sliced mushrooms and saute. Add green onions and saute about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and saute an additional minute or two.

Pesto Chicken Stuffed Shells | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this #pasta dish is superb! #chicken, #pesto sauce, 3 #cheeses, mushrooms & seasonings make it the perfect entree for dinner. Our company raved over it!

Soften cream cheese in a mixing bowl. Add diced chicken, part of the asiago and parmesan cheeses, pesto sauce and sauteed mushroom mixture.

Pesto Chicken Stuffed Shells | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this #pasta dish is superb! #chicken, #pesto sauce, 3 #cheeses, mushrooms & seasonings make it the perfect entree for dinner. Our company raved over it!

Sprinkle seasonings over top.

Pesto Chicken Stuffed Shells | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this #pasta dish is superb! #chicken, #pesto sauce, 3 #cheeses, mushrooms & seasonings make it the perfect entree for dinner. Our company raved over it!

Stir ingredients to combine. Set aside.

Pesto Chicken Stuffed Shells | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this #pasta dish is superb! #chicken, #pesto sauce, 3 #cheeses, mushrooms & seasonings make it the perfect entree for dinner. Our company raved over it!

Meanwhile, make sure you have brought your pasta water to a boil and add pasta. Cook about 2-4 minutes below the package directions for doneness. About 11-12 minutes is all you want to cook them or they will break apart when you work with them.

Spoon shells out and place on waxed paper-lined counter top to cool. Try to separate the shells from each other and provide plenty of space between each one so the shells cool and are easier to work with.

Pesto Chicken Stuffed Shells | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this #pasta dish is superb! #chicken, #pesto sauce, 3 #cheeses, mushrooms & seasonings make it the perfect entree for dinner. Our company raved over it!

Stuff shells with pesto chicken mixture and place in greased 9×13″ or 10×15″ glass baking dish. Cover shells with foil to prevent shells from browning or drying out. 

Pesto Chicken Stuffed Shells | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this #pasta dish is superb! #chicken, #pesto sauce, 3 #cheeses, mushrooms & seasonings make it the perfect entree for dinner. Our company raved over it!

Bake shells at 350 about 30-40 minutes until bubbling hot.  Remove from oven. Remove foil. Add reserved parmesan and asiago cheeses.

Pesto Chicken Stuffed Shells | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this #pasta dish is superb! #chicken, #pesto sauce, 3 #cheeses, mushrooms & seasonings make it the perfect entree for dinner. Our company raved over it!

Bake an additional 5-10 minutes until cheese is melted. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Pesto Chicken Stuffed Shells | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this #pasta dish is superb! #chicken, #pesto sauce, 3 #cheeses, mushrooms & seasonings make it the perfect entree for dinner. Our company raved over it!

Don’t these Pesto Chicken Stuffed Shells look delicious?

Pesto Chicken Stuffed Shells | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this #pasta dish is superb! #chicken, #pesto sauce, 3 #cheeses, mushrooms & seasonings make it the perfect entree for dinner. Our company raved over it!

My batch made about 36 shells–enough for 6-8 generous portions.

Pesto Chicken Stuffed Shells | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this #pasta dish is superb! #chicken, #pesto sauce, 3 #cheeses, mushrooms & seasonings make it the perfect entree for dinner. Our company raved over it!

This close up shows all the chicken and mushrooms stuffed into the shell. We found this dish very tasty and satisfying. I think you will too.

Here’s the recipe.

PESTO CHICKEN STUFFED SHELLS

(My own concoction)

Pesto Chicken Stuffed Shells | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this #pasta dish is superb! #chicken, #pesto sauce, 3 #cheeses, mushrooms & seasonings make it the perfect entree for dinner. Our company raved over it!

Pesto Chicken Stuffed Shells

Teresa Ambra
Pesto Chicken Stuffed Shells are outrageously good! This scrumptious pasta dish includes diced chicken, pesto sauce, three cheeses, mushrooms and seasonings. It's so mouthwatering and irresistible you'll find it one of your comfort foods of choice! Perfect entree for company dinners.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Pasta Main Dish, Pasta Main Dish/Chicken Main Dish
Cuisine Italian
Servings 12
Calories 373 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large stock pot
  • 1 colander
  • waxed paper to drain the shells on
  • 1 large skillet
  • 1 wooden spoon
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • 1 sharp knife to cut vegetables
  • 1 9x13" glass baking dish

Ingredients
  

  • 16 oz. box jumbo pasta shells cooked only until ad dente so they don’t break apart
  • water for boiling pasta
  • 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup parmesan cheese freshly grated, reserve ½ cup for topping
  • 1 1/2 cups asiago cheese freshly grated, reserve ¾ cup for topping
  • 1/2 cup prepared pesto sauce homemade or store bought
  • 3 cups cooked chicken shredded
  • 2 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 1 tsp. sea salt or kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
  • 8 oz. fresh mushrooms sliced
  • 2-3 tbsp. olive oil
  • 3 green onions diced
  • 1 tsp. dried basil
  • 1 tsp. dried oregano
  • 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp. dried parsley
  • 1 tsp. fresh parsley minced, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot over high heat, boil water and boil jumbo pasta shells about 11-12 minutes instead of the recommended 14-16 minutes.
  • Cook pasta shells only until al dente.
  • The pasta will finish cooking when the dish is baked.
  • Drain the pasta shells and set aside. (I usually place the shells on waxed paper).
  • In a large skillet, pour olive oil.
  • Sauté mushrooms and green onions about 5 minutes.
  • Add garlic and sauté an additional couple of minutes.
  • In a large bowl, combine chicken, cream cheese, pesto sauce, Parmesan and Asiago cheeses (except for reserved topping ingredients), sautéed vegetables, salt, pepper and remaining seasonings.
  • Fill the pasta shells with the filling and place in a 9x13” baking dish that has been sprayed with cooking spray.
  • Cover with foil to prevent shells from drying out and hardening while baking.
  • Bake at 350° until shells are bubbling hot—about 30-40 minutes.
  • Sprinkle the remaining cheeses over filled shells and bake an additional 5-10 minutes until cheese melts.
  • Makes almost 3 dozen stuffed shells.
  • Garnish with fresh, minced parsley.

Notes

NOTE: If desired, add a 14-oz. can of drained, artichoke hearts.
 
© Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen

Nutrition

Calories: 373kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 769mgPotassium: 351mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 493IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 349mgIron: 2mg
Keyword casserole, chicken, parmesan cheese, pasta, pesto, stuffed shells
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

 

[b]Pesto Chicken Stuffed Shells[/b]
Recipe Type: Pasta Main Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Author: Teresa Ambra 
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 8
Scrumptious pasta dish with diced chicken, pesto and three cheeses.
Ingredients
  • 1 box jumbo pasta shells, cooked only until ad dente so they don’t break apart
  • water for boiling pasta
  • 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (reserve ½ cup for topping)
  • 1 ½ cups freshly grated Asiago cheese (reserve ¾ cup for topping)
  • ½ cup prepared pesto (homemade or store bought)
  • 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 1 heaping tablespoon minced garlic from a jar
  • 1 tsp. kosher salt
  • ½ tsp. pepper
  • 8-oz. sliced mushrooms
  • 2-3 tbsp. olive oil
  • 3 green onions, diced
  • parsley, for garnish
Instructions
  1. In a large pot over high heat, boil water and boil jumbo pasta shells about 11-12 minutes instead of the recommended 14-16 minutes.
  2. Cook pasta shells only until al dente.
  3. The pasta will finish cooking when the dish is baked.
  4. Drain the pasta shells and set aside.
  5. In a large skillet, pour olive oil.
  6. Sauté mushrooms and green onions about 5 minutes.
  7. Add garlic and sauté an additional couple of minutes.
  8. In a large bowl, combine chicken, cream cheese, pesto sauce, Parmesan and Asiago cheeses (except for reserved topping ingredients), sautéed vegetables, salt, and pepper.
  9. Fill the pasta shells with the filling and place in a 9×13” baking dish that has been sprayed with cooking spray.
  10. Cover with foil to prevent shells from drying out and hardening while baking.
  11. Bake at 350° until shells are bubbling hot—about 30-40 minutes.
  12. Sprinkle the remaining cheeses over filled shells and bake an additional 5-10 minutes until cheese melts.
  13. Makes almost 3 dozen stuffed shells.
Notes
Check seasonings before stuffing pasta shells. If you prefer a bolder taste add 1 tsp. basil, 1 tsp. oregano, 1 tsp. Italian seasoning and 1 tsp. parsley to the shell mixture to increase the flavor.
Pesto Chicken Stuffed Shells | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this #pasta dish is superb! #chicken, #pesto sauce, 3 #cheeses, mushrooms & seasonings make it the perfect entree for dinner. Our company raved over it!

I amped up the flavors in these shells with plenty of pesto sauce and Italian style seasonings.

Pesto Chicken Stuffed Shells | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this #pasta dish is superb! #chicken, #pesto sauce, 3 #cheeses, mushrooms & seasonings make it the perfect entree for dinner. Our company raved over it!

Here’s a look at the shells with all the parmesan and asiago cheeses melted over the top. 

Pesto Chicken Stuffed Shells | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this #pasta dish is superb! #chicken, #pesto sauce, 3 #cheeses, mushrooms & seasonings make it the perfect entree for dinner. Our company raved over it!

Pesto Chicken Stuffed Shells are a nice change from all the recipes made with spinach or marinara sauce. The combination of pesto sauce with the cheeses is superb. The flavors are extraordinary.

You may also enjoy these delicious recipes!

Stuffed Shells Florentine

Stuffed Shells Florentine | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | We love this fantastic #pasta #recipe. Jumbo shells are stuffed with a #RicottaCheese, #ParmesanCheese & #spinach filling. Then they're baked with #SpaghettiSauce poured over top. More #parmesan is added before serving. Terrific for company too. #MeatlessMondays #StuffedShells

Northern Italian Stuffed Shells

Northern Italian Stuffed Shells | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | tremendous #PaulaDeen #pasta #recipe that's out of this world! This one uses #beef, #spinach, both #creamcheese & #parmesancheese. Makes 2 large #casseroles so you can freeze one for later. #stuffedshells #Italian

Baked Manicotti

Baked Manicotti | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | BEST #manicotti recipe ever! This one uses #mozzarella #cheese instead of ricotta. It makes a terrific #holiday or company #pasta entree. #beef
Pesto Chicken Stuffed Shells | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this #pasta dish is superb! #chicken, #pesto sauce, 3 #cheeses, mushrooms & seasonings make it the perfect entree for dinner. Our company raved over it!

Pesto Chicken Stuffed Shells

Teresa Ambra
Pesto Chicken Stuffed Shells are outrageously good! This scrumptious pasta dish includes diced chicken, pesto sauce, three cheeses, mushrooms and seasonings. It's so mouthwatering and irresistible you'll find it one of your comfort foods of choice! Perfect entree for company dinners.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Pasta Main Dish, Pasta Main Dish/Chicken Main Dish
Cuisine Italian
Servings 12
Calories 373 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large stock pot
  • 1 colander
  • waxed paper to drain the shells on
  • 1 large skillet
  • 1 wooden spoon
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • 1 sharp knife to cut vegetables
  • 1 9×13" glass baking dish

Ingredients
  

  • 16 oz. box jumbo pasta shells cooked only until ad dente so they don’t break apart
  • water for boiling pasta
  • 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup parmesan cheese freshly grated, reserve ½ cup for topping
  • 1 1/2 cups asiago cheese freshly grated, reserve ¾ cup for topping
  • 1/2 cup prepared pesto sauce homemade or store bought
  • 3 cups cooked chicken shredded
  • 2 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 1 tsp. sea salt or kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
  • 8 oz. fresh mushrooms sliced
  • 2-3 tbsp. olive oil
  • 3 green onions diced
  • 1 tsp. dried basil
  • 1 tsp. dried oregano
  • 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp. dried parsley
  • 1 tsp. fresh parsley minced, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot over high heat, boil water and boil jumbo pasta shells about 11-12 minutes instead of the recommended 14-16 minutes.
  • Cook pasta shells only until al dente.
  • The pasta will finish cooking when the dish is baked.
  • Drain the pasta shells and set aside. (I usually place the shells on waxed paper).
  • In a large skillet, pour olive oil.
  • Sauté mushrooms and green onions about 5 minutes.
  • Add garlic and sauté an additional couple of minutes.
  • In a large bowl, combine chicken, cream cheese, pesto sauce, Parmesan and Asiago cheeses (except for reserved topping ingredients), sautéed vegetables, salt, pepper and remaining seasonings.
  • Fill the pasta shells with the filling and place in a 9×13” baking dish that has been sprayed with cooking spray.
  • Cover with foil to prevent shells from drying out and hardening while baking.
  • Bake at 350° until shells are bubbling hot—about 30-40 minutes.
  • Sprinkle the remaining cheeses over filled shells and bake an additional 5-10 minutes until cheese melts.
  • Makes almost 3 dozen stuffed shells.
  • Garnish with fresh, minced parsley.

Notes

NOTE: If desired, add a 14-oz. can of drained, artichoke hearts.
 
© Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen

Nutrition

Calories: 373kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 769mgPotassium: 351mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 493IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 349mgIron: 2mg
Keyword casserole, chicken, parmesan cheese, pasta, pesto, stuffed shells
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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