Name: Chicken Scampi Stuffed Pasta Shells Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 lbs. chicken tenders, diced; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tsp paprika; 1 tsp cayenne pepper; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp oregano; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 6 tablespoons softened butter, divided; 5 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp reserved chicken seasoning; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes; 1 cup dry white wine; 2/3 cup chicken stock or broth; 1/3 cup pasta water; 1 lemon zest and juice; 2/3 cup heavy cream; 1/3 cup parmesan; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped; Salt and pepper to taste; 12 oz. Jumbo pasta shells; 3 cups shredded cheese, divided (monterey jack, cheddar, mozzarella, etc.)

Jump to Recipe

Say hello to your new favorite comfort food: Chicken Scampi Stuffed Pasta Shells! Imagine each jumbo shell bursting with juicy, seasoned chicken and melty cheese, all nestled in a dreamy, garlicky scampi sauce with a kiss of lemon and a bubbly cheese topping. This is the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and always draws a crowd to the table. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that feels special or a showstopper for your next get-together, these Chicken Scampi Stuffed Pasta Shells are always a hit!

Chicken Scampi Stuffed Pasta Shells Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Chicken Scampi Stuffed Pasta Shells is how each ingredient layers into balanced, crave-worthy flavors. These are everyday kitchen staples coming together for a serious wow-factor — and every one of them brings something unique to the party!

Chicken tenders (2 lbs, diced): Quick-cooking and super tender, they soak up the scampi spices perfectly for flavorful filling.
Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Helps brown the chicken and adds richness to both meat and sauce.
Jumbo pasta shells (12 oz.): The perfect edible cup for all that cheesy, garlicky chicken goodness.
Shredded cheese (3 cups, divided): Mix or match Monterey Jack, cheddar, or mozzarella for ultimate meltiness and flavor.
Paprika (2 tsp): Brings a sweet, smoky undertone to season the chicken.
Cayenne pepper (1 tsp): For just the right touch of warmth (not too spicy, just exciting!).
Garlic powder (1 tsp): Layers in deep, savory flavor alongside fresh garlic.
Onion powder (1 tsp): Adds a mellow, rounded backbone of flavor to the filling.
Oregano (1/2 tsp): A whisper of Italian flair for earthy balance.
Salt (1/2 tsp): Essentials for bringing everything to life.
Freshly ground black pepper (1/2 tsp): Adds subtle heat and depth.
Butter, softened (6 tablespoons, divided): Makes the scampi sauce silkier, richer, and oh-so-indulgent.
Garlic, minced (5 cloves): The heart of scampi — go bold here for that signature aroma.
Reserved chicken seasoning (1 tsp): Built-in flavor booster for the sauce.
Red pepper flakes (1/2 tsp): For a pop of color and a gentle heat in the sauce.
Dry white wine (1 cup): Lifts and brightens the sauce — use something you’d enjoy sipping!
Chicken stock or broth (2/3 cup): Deepens the sauce flavor without heaviness.
Pasta water (1/3 cup): Adds silkiness and helps the sauce cling to shells.
Lemon zest and juice (from 1 lemon): Adds a lively, zippy finish that brightens every bite.
Heavy cream (2/3 cup): The secret to a luxuriously smooth and creamy sauce.
Parmesan (1/3 cup): Savory, salty magic in both the sauce and finishing sprinkle.
Fresh parsley, chopped (2 tbsp): For color and a burst of freshness on top.
Salt and pepper to taste: Always taste and adjust to make the flavors just right!

How to Make Chicken Scampi Stuffed Pasta Shells

Step 1: Season and Marinate the Chicken

Start by whipping up your own homemade scampi-inspired seasoning. In a small bowl, combine your paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Reserve about a teaspoon of this mixture for the sauce later — trust me, this little extra step takes the flavor to a new level! Toss the diced chicken with a tablespoon of olive oil and the remaining seasoning so every tender bite is coated and bursting with herby, savory goodness. Let it marinate while you get everything else ready.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large sauté pan over medium-high with the rest of your olive oil. Add the seasoned chicken in an even layer and let it sear, turning occasionally, until it’s golden and cooked through. You’re aiming for that juicy, flavorful bite — not dry at all! Once done, transfer the chicken to a large bowl and cover it with foil to keep it warm (plus, it gives the juices a chance to redistribute).

Step 3: Make the Scampi Sauce

In that same pan (hello, easy cleanup!), add two tablespoons of softened butter and your freshly minced garlic. Let the garlic sizzle gently until fragrant — your kitchen will already be smelling amazing! Pour in the white wine, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom, and reduce until it’s about two-thirds of a cup; this concentrates all that bright flavor. While the wine reduces, bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook your pasta shells according to package directions until just al dente.

Step 4: Finish the Sauce

Once the wine is reduced, whisk in the remaining butter for a luscious, glossy finish. Sprinkle in the reserved chicken seasoning, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir in chicken stock, lemon zest and juice, heavy cream, parmesan, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Just as it thickens, add a splash of pasta cooking water. This makes the sauce truly cling to every nook and cranny of the shells!

Step 5: Stuff the Shells and Bake

Back to the chicken bowl! Toss the cooked chicken with half of your shredded cheese (go wild here — use whatever combination you love). Take your greased baking dish and spoon about a half cup of that luscious scampi sauce onto the bottom. Now, stuff each pasta shell generously with the chicken-cheese mix and arrange them snugly side by side. Pour the remaining sauce all over the top, making sure every shell is blanketed in creamy goodness. Finish with a shower of the remaining shredded cheese, then bake at 375 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes until everything is golden, bubbly, and impossible to resist.

How to Serve Chicken Scampi Stuffed Pasta Shells

Garnishes

The final flourish to your Chicken Scampi Stuffed Pasta Shells? A bright sprinkle of fresh parsley and a dusting of extra parmesan give each shell a pop of color and that irresistible cheesy edge. For a little zing, add freshly cracked black pepper or an extra squeeze of lemon right before serving. Presentation is everything — those flecks of green and gold make the whole dish feel restaurant-worthy!

Side Dishes

Chicken Scampi Stuffed Pasta Shells are hearty on their own but truly excel with a few simple sides. Pair with a crisp, lemony arugula salad or steamed green beans tossed with olive oil and sea salt for freshness. A loaf of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of that silky scampi sauce. If you’re feeding a crowd, a platter of roasted vegetables will round out your meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, try arranging the shells in individual ramekins for personalized servings. Or go rustic-style and bake them in a beautiful ceramic dish, letting some of the cheesy tops get extra browned and bubbly. For a playful twist, top each shell with a small slice of lemon or tuck in a few roasted cherry tomatoes to add vibrant color. However you serve it, Chicken Scampi Stuffed Pasta Shells are a guaranteed star!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have extra Chicken Scampi Stuffed Pasta Shells? They keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store them in an airtight container to keep everything moist and flavorful. This is one of those rare dishes that somehow seems to taste even better after a night in the fridge as all the flavors meld together!

Freezing

If you’d like to get ahead or double your batch for busy weeknights, assemble the shells and sauce as instructed but stop before baking. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then with foil, and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as usual. The texture holds up wonderfully, and you get all the fresh-from-the-oven magic with zero last-minute frenzy.

Reheating

To reheat leftover Chicken Scampi Stuffed Pasta Shells, place them in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350-degree oven for about 20 minutes, until hot and bubbly. For individual portions, the microwave works fine — just sprinkle with a little extra cheese or sauce to keep things moist. Whichever way you go, you’ll be rewarded with melty cheese pulls and incredible garlicky aroma!

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie or leftover chicken for Chicken Scampi Stuffed Pasta Shells?

Absolutely! Shred or chop your cooked chicken and toss it with the seasoning mix before proceeding. It makes this recipe even quicker and is a great way to use up leftovers. Just keep in mind, freshly cooked chicken tends to absorb the flavors a bit better.

Which cheese blend works best for the stuffing?

You can get creative! Monterey Jack and mozzarella offer lovely meltiness, while cheddar brings that rich, full-bodied flavor. Even a bit of fontina or provolone would add a fantastic twist. The goal is a gooey, stretchy filling that balances well with the scampi sauce.

Is there a way to make Chicken Scampi Stuffed Pasta Shells without wine?

Yes! Simply swap the white wine for an equal amount of extra chicken broth. You’ll still get depth and richness without any alcohol, and the other flavors — lemon, garlic, and cheese — will shine through beautifully.

Can I prepare Chicken Scampi Stuffed Pasta Shells ahead of time?

Definitely. You can assemble the shells and sauce up to a day in advance and refrigerate, then bake when you’re ready. This makes it an excellent choice for hosting dinner or preparing wholesome meals ahead of a busy week.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying them out?

To keep the stuffed shells creamy, reheat them in the oven covered with foil and add just a splash of chicken stock or cream over the top. This helps them stay moist and prevents the cheese from getting rubbery. A quick pass under the broiler at the end can refresh that cheesy crust!

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you’ve tasted these Chicken Scampi Stuffed Pasta Shells, you’ll want to put them on regular dinner rotation. They’re dazzling enough for company and simple enough for any family meal. Give this recipe a try — your kitchen (and your taste buds) will thank you!

Chicken Scampi Stuffed Pasta Shells Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 13 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delicious and comforting Chicken Scampi Stuffed Pasta Shells recipe that combines tender diced chicken, flavorful scampi sauce, and gooey melted cheese stuffed inside jumbo pasta shells, baked to perfection.

Instructions

Prep & Cook Chicken: Mix chicken seasoning, coat chicken, cook until done. Set aside.
Make Scampi Sauce: Saute garlic in butter, add wine, reduce. Add seasonings, stock, lemon, cream, parmesan, parsley. Simmer until thickened.
Stuff The Shells & Bake: Combine chicken with half of the cheese. Stuff shells, place in a dish with sauce. Top with remaining cheese. Bake.