Creamy Chicken Spinach Stuffed Shells
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever find yourself craving that hug-in-a-bowl feeling? I totally get it. This italian dishes with white sauce recipe, our Creamy Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Shells, is pure comfort.
Get ready for cheesy, creamy goodness.
Brief Overview
These italian comfort food recipes are inspired by traditional baked pasta recipes italian, taking you straight to Nonna's kitchen. It's a medium difficulty recipe.
It takes about 1 hour 20 minutes. This recipe yields about 6 servings.
Main Benefits
This stuffed pasta shells recipe is packed with protein and vitamins from the chicken and spinach. It's a perfect pasta dishes with cream sauce for a family get-together.
What makes this recipe special? It is the rich Parmigiano Reggiano in the white sauce.
Craving Creamy? Let's talk White Sauce!
The beauty of this creamy italian pasta recipes lies in its simplicity. The parmesan white sauce pasta itself is relatively easy to make.
I've definitely had my fair share of roux gone-wrong moments, honestly. Warming the milk beforehand is clutch. Trust me, it prevents lumps.
This is also a great chicken and spinach pasta bake , which is really comforting and the kids really like it!
Let’s get cooking, shall we? You won't regret making these easy italian casserole recipes .
Let's Get This Show on the Road: Ingredients and Equipment
Right then, let's talk shopping! Before we dive into making this creamy italian pasta recipes , we need the right bits and bobs.
Nothing too fancy, promise. My grandma always said, "Good food starts with good ingredients," and she was usually right... except about my questionable teenage hairstyles.
Anyway, gather these goodies. We're making italian dishes with white sauce , particularly, Creamy Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Shells with Parmigiano Reggiano White Sauce!
Main Ingredients: The Stars of Our Show
Okay, pens and paper at the ready. Here's the shopping list, measurements and quality indicators for a truly delicious parmesan white sauce pasta .
- Chicken: 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Get good quality, free range if you can. Trust me, it makes a difference. If you're looking for an alternative, use turkey instead.
- Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15ml). Extra virgin, obviously. We ain't messing around here.
- Onion: 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup).
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Fresh is best!
- Spinach: 10 oz (283g) fresh spinach, roughly chopped. Make sure it's nice and vibrant green, not all sad and wilted. This is the perfect ingredient for a chicken and spinach pasta bake .
- Ricotta: 15 oz (425g) whole milk ricotta cheese. Full fat is the way to go for that creamy italian pasta recipes vibe.
- Egg: 1 large egg, lightly beaten.
- Parmigiano Reggiano: 1/2 cup (50g) grated, plus more for topping. Spend the extra few quid, guys. It's worth it! And for that gourmet italian pasta dishes feel.
- Pecorino Romano: 1/4 cup (30g) grated. Adds a nice salty tang.
- Parsley: 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh parsley.
- Nutmeg: 1/4 tsp grated nutmeg.
- Pasta Shells: 1 (12 oz / 340g) box jumbo pasta shells.
- Butter: 6 tbsp (85g) unsalted butter.
- Flour: 6 tbsp (45g) all-purpose flour.
- Milk: 4 cups (946ml) whole milk, warmed. Whole milk is essential for that béchamel sauce dishes flavour.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste. Obviously.
Seasoning Notes: Spicing Things Up
Alright, let's talk flavours. The Parmigiano Reggiano is the real star here, but the nutmeg adds a lovely warmth. White pepper is classic in a béchamel, but black works too if that's all you've got.
Fresh herbs are crucial! Don't skip the parsley. And don't be shy with the salt and pepper. I love it, because it gives the meal that italian comfort food recipes feeling.
If you want a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling or the sauce. Easy italian casserole recipes can be easily adjusted!
Equipment Needed: What You'll Need
Don't panic, you probably have most of this already.
- Large pot for boiling pasta.
- Large skillet or saucepan.
- 9x13 inch baking dish. Perfect for those baked pasta recipes italian .
- Cheese grater.
- Mixing bowls.
No fancy gadgets needed for this stuffed pasta shells recipe . If you don't have a 9x13 inch dish, a similar sized one will do. Just make sure it's oven safe!
Ready to get cooking? Lets do it!
Getting Saucy: Creamy Italian Dishes with White Sauce
Right then, let's dive into something totally lush: creamy italian pasta recipes . Forget the same old red sauce routine. We are talking about my Creamy Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Shells with Parmigiano Reggiano White Sauce.
Honestly, this is where the magic happens. This is proper italian comfort food recipes , my friends.
Prep Steps: Let's Get Organized!
Okay, first things first: mise en place . It sounds fancy, but it just means getting everything in its place before you start.
Chop your onion, mince the garlic. Shred the chicken after cooking (more on that later!). Having it all ready saves a ton of time.
Top tip: Use pre-shredded chicken to save some time! Also, make sure your spinach is washed and roughly chopped. Safety wise, always wash your hands before cooking. Seriously, don't be gross.
step-by-step: Creamy Perfection
- Cook 1.5 lbs chicken breasts. Shred 'em. Sauté onion and garlic till soft. Throw in that spinach until it wilts.
- Mix chicken, spinach, ricotta, egg, 0.5 cup Parmigiano Reggiano, 0.25 cup Pecorino Romano, parsley, and nutmeg. Season it up!.
- Cook your jumbo shells. Remember, slightly al dente. Drain and rinse. This stops the cooking.
- Melt 6 tbsp butter. Whisk in 6 tbsp flour for the roux. Slowly add 4 cups warm milk until it thickens. Stir in 1 cup Parmigiano Reggiano. Season. This is your gorgeous béchamel sauce dishes .
- Stuff those shells! Spoon that chicken mix into each shell. Don’t be shy.
- Spread some white sauce in your baking dish. Arrange the shells. Drizzle with the rest of the sauce. Sprinkle more cheese!
- Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for about 30- 35 minutes . You want it bubbly and golden.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before digging in. This prevents a molten lava situation.
This truly belongs in baked pasta recipes italian , you know?
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Shells
Want to take this from good to gourmet? Use high-quality Parmigiano Reggiano. It makes a massive difference. Also, warm your milk before adding it to the roux.
This stops lumps. It is the best way to get those gourmet italian pasta dishes
Common mistake? Overcooking the pasta. Seriously, slightly undercook it. It finishes in the oven. For a chicken and spinach pasta bake , this filling is perfect.
This is also a great recipe for when you want to make easy italian casserole recipes and have a delicious twist on stuffed pasta shells recipe .
make-ahead tip? You can assemble the shells and sauce a day ahead. Just bake it when you're ready. If you are looking for pasta dishes with cream sauce that will knock your socks off, this is the recipe to try!
Recipe Notes: Let's Get This Show on the Road!
Alright, my lovelies, before you dive headfirst into creating these creamy italian pasta recipes , let's chat about a few things that’ll make your life easier.
Honestly, this recipe is pretty forgiving, but a little planning never hurt anyone, right? Think of these notes as your cheat sheet to a truly stellar italian dishes with white sauce .
Serving Suggestions: Show It Off!
Okay, so you've slaved away in the kitchen, now let's make it look fancy! I like to plate a few stuffed pasta shells recipe on a bed of extra white sauce (because why not?).
A sprinkle of fresh parsley and a generous grating of Parmigiano Reggiano make it look like something out of a restaurant.
On the side? Garlic bread is a must for soaking up that delicious sauce! If you're feeling extra, a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette provides a nice contrast to the richness.
As for drinks, a crisp Italian white wine pairs perfectly with this parmesan white sauce pasta .
Storage Tips: Keep the Party Going
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This chicken and spinach pasta bake keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
As for freezing, I wouldn't recommend it. The béchamel sauce dishes can get a bit grainy upon thawing. Reheating is a breeze just pop it in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Variations: Make It Your Own
This is where you can get creative! Want to make it vegetarian? Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or artichoke hearts.
Need a gluten-free option? No problem! Use gluten-free pasta shells and gluten-free flour in the white sauce. How's that for easy baked pasta recipes italian ? Feeling a spicy kick? A pinch of red pepper flakes in the béchamel sauce dishes will sort that out for you.
And trust me, swapping out the spinach for some roasted butternut squash in the fall makes this a fantastic, seasonal twist.
What about easy italian casserole recipes
Nutrition Basics: Fueling Up
Okay, I'm no nutritionist, but here's the lowdown. This dish is packed with protein from the chicken and cheese, plus a decent dose of vitamins and minerals from the spinach.
The white sauce adds richness (and calories, let's be real), but it also provides calcium. Just remember, portion control is key! Remember, this is more about italian comfort food recipes and nourishing your soul, less about counting every single calorie.
So there you have it! I hope these notes give you the confidence to whip up a batch of this seriously delicious italian dishes with white sauce .
Trust me, it’s easier than it looks, and the end result is totally worth it! You've got this! Now, go get your Gordon Ramsay on, and let's create some truly gourmet italian pasta dishes !
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm a beginner cook, is this Creamy Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Shells recipe really doable?
Absolutely! While it has a few steps, none of them are particularly tricky. Just take your time and read through the instructions first, a bit like studying the London tube map before your journey. The key is not overcooking the pasta and taking your time making the white sauce. You've got this!
Can I make this "italian dishes with white sauce" recipe ahead of time?
You bet! Preparing the stuffed shells a day in advance is a smart move, saves time like pre-booking your theatre tickets. Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate. Add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
Alternatively, the sauce can be made 2-3 days in advance.
How should I store any leftover Creamy Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Shells?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, just like keeping your bangers and mash fresh after Sunday lunch. Reheat them in the oven (covered with foil to prevent drying out) or in the microwave.
You can also freeze leftovers for up to 2-3 months, though the pasta texture might change slightly.
What are some variations I can try with this Creamy Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Shells recipe?
Get creative! For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or artichoke hearts. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the white sauce for a spicy kick, or use different cheeses like Gruyere or Fontina in the filling.
Think of it as remixing your favorite Beatles song keep the core melody, but add your own flair!
Is there a way to lighten up this recipe nutritionally?
Definitely. Using part skim ricotta, reducing the amount of butter in the white sauce, or using whole wheat pasta shells are all good options. You can also add extra vegetables like chopped bell peppers or zucchini to the filling to increase the fiber content, much like adding more greens to your full English breakfast!
My white sauce is lumpy! What did I do wrong, and how can I fix it?
Lumpy white sauce is a common kitchen woe, a bit like a soggy bottom on your pastry. Usually, it happens when the milk is added too quickly to the roux or the roux wasn't mixed thoroughly. Try whisking vigorously with a wire whisk to break up the lumps. If that doesn't work, strain the sauce through a fine mesh sieve.
Warming the milk beforehand can also prevent lumps. To avoid it altogether, make sure your roux is smooth, and gradually whisk in the milk, bit by bit!
Creamy Chicken Spinach Stuffed Shells
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 650 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 35g |
| Fiber | 4g |
