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Loaded Creamy Ranch Chicken Stuffed Shells

A delightful dish featuring giant pasta shells stuffed with a creamy ranch-flavored chicken filling and topped with cheese, perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Filling
  • 12-15 pieces giant pasta shells
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 packet ranch dressing mix
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
Toppings and Sauce
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the giant pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, ranch dressing mix, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and optional spinach. Mix well until you have a creamy, uniform filling.
Assembling
  1. Using a spoon, carefully fill each cooked pasta shell with the chicken ranch mixture.
  2. In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom. Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer on top of the sauce.
  3. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese on top, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Baking
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for approximately 25 minutes.
  2. Remove the foil, and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serving
  1. Once baked, let the dish cool for a few minutes before digging in. Serve hot and enjoy with a fresh garden salad or some crusty bread.

Notes

For variations, you can substitute mozzarella for cheddar and use turkey or canned chicken instead. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil.