Go Back
Homemade Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells photo

Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells

Creamy cheese-stuffed jumbo pasta shells filled with popcorn chicken and baked in marinara for a comforting family meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 24 jumbo pasta shells
  • 24 pieces frozen popcorn chicken may need more if pieces are small
  • 1 15-oz container cottage cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 Tbsp dried parsley
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 24-26-oz jar spaghetti sauce

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch Baking Dish
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Rotary Cheese Grater
  • 6-quart saucepot

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray; set aside.
  2. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package directions until al dente, drain, and let cool enough to handle.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, grated parmesan, dried parsley, large egg, and 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella until evenly mixed.
  4. Stuff each cooled shell with a portion of the cheese mixture and place one piece of frozen popcorn chicken into each shell; transfer filled shells to the prepared baking dish.
  5. Spoon the spaghetti sauce evenly over the arranged shells, then sprinkle the remaining 1 cup shredded mozzarella on top.
  6. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and cheese is melted and slightly golden.

Notes

  • You can substitute chopped fried chicken tenders for the popcorn chicken.
  • There is no need to fully thaw the frozen chicken before assembling; it will cook in the oven.
  • Try ricotta, asiago, or provolone if you prefer different cheeses.
  • Add Italian seasoning to the cheese mixture for extra flavor.
  • The assembled dish can be refrigerated before baking; add a few minutes to bake time if baking cold.
  • This recipe makes a large pan; split between two pans to bake one and freeze one.