Description
A comforting dish of oversized pasta shells filled with tender chicken and slathered in a velvety three-cheese sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thick strips
- 12 oz medium pasta shells
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for sauce)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season the chicken with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. In a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tbsp of butter. Add the chicken and sear for about 4–6 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Transfer the chicken to a plate and make the garlic butter in the same skillet by reducing heat to medium, adding the remaining 1 tbsp of butter, and sautéing the minced garlic for 30–60 seconds.
- Make the cheese sauce by melting 2 tbsp of butter in the skillet over medium heat, whisking in the flour, then gradually whisking in milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until smooth. Cook until thickened.
- Stir in mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar until a smooth sauce forms. Add garlic powder and more salt if necessary.
- Fold in the cooked pasta shells and reserved chicken, ensuring everything is coated with the sauce.
- Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes until hot and bubbly. Broil for 1–2 minutes for a golden top.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
You can substitute protein sources for a vegetarian option or use different cheeses based on preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 700
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: Baked Chicken, Three-Cheese Pasta, Comfort Food, Garlic Chicken, Cheesy Pasta