Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells

Name: Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 12 servings.
Cuisine: Europe, French, Italian
Ingredients: 1 package (12 ounces) uncooked jumbo pasta shells; 2 tablespoons olive oil; FILLING:; 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch cubes; 1-1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon salt, divided; 1/2 teaspoon pepper, divided; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 1/3 cup seasoned bread crumbs; 3 cups part-skim ricotta cheese; 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup 2% milk; 1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley; ASSEMBLY:; 4 cups meatless pasta sauce; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced and halved

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 45 min. Bake: 40 min. YIELD: 12 servings.

When chicken Parmesan meets stuffed shells, it's love at first bite. The texture of the chicken holds up in the deliciously creamy and cheesy mixture. —Cynthia Gerken, Naples, Florida

Ingredients

1 package (12 ounces) uncooked jumbo pasta shells
2 tablespoons olive oil
FILLING:
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1-1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon pepper, divided
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1/3 cup seasoned bread crumbs
3 cups part-skim ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup 2% milk
1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
ASSEMBLY:
4 cups meatless pasta sauce
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced and halved

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°. Cook shells according to package directions for al dente; drain. Toss with oil; spread in an even layer on a baking sheet.
2. For filling, toss chicken with Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat; saute chicken just until lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Reduce heat to medium; stir in butter until melted. Stir in bread crumbs; cook until crumbs are slightly toasted, 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cool slightly.
3. In a large bowl, mix cheeses, milk, parsley and the remaining salt and pepper. Fold in chicken.
4. Spread 2 cups pasta sauce into a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Fill each shell with 2-1/2 tablespoons cheese mixture; place over sauce. Top with remaining sauce and cheeses (dish will be full).
5. Cover with greased foil; bake 30 minutes. Uncover; bake until heated through, 10-15 minutes.

Nutrition Facts

1 serving: 431 calories, 19g fat (10g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 752mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein.