Name: Chicken Scampi Stuffed Shells
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 20–24 jumbo pasta shells; 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided); 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 3 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 3/4 cup heavy cream; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)

When I first tried Chicken Scampi Stuffed Shells, I knew I had stumbled upon something truly special. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent but remains simple enough to whip up for a weekday dinner. Combining the bold, garlicky flavors of a scampi sauce with the creamy, cheesy comfort of baked pasta creates a harmony that’s just too good to keep to myself.

I love how each shell becomes a pocket of joy—brimming with tender chicken, rich cheese, and that luxurious scampi cream sauce. It’s satisfying, packed with flavor, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re cooking for your family, preparing a cozy date night meal, or bringing a dish to a potluck, these stuffed shells are guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Scampi Stuffed Shells Recipe

Comfort food upgrade: It’s the best of creamy pasta and garlicky scampi in one.
Perfect make-ahead dish: Great for meal prep or freezing for later.
Crowd-pleaser: Everyone loves cheesy baked pasta—this version just takes it to the next level.
Customizable: Easy to tweak based on what cheese or protein you have on hand.

What Type of Pasta Shells Work Best?

For this recipe, jumbo pasta shells are a must. Their size is ideal for holding a generous scoop of the creamy chicken scampi filling. Make sure to cook them just until al dente—they’ll finish cooking in the oven. Overcooking the shells beforehand can cause them to tear during stuffing or turn mushy while baking.

If jumbo shells aren’t available, manicotti tubes can work as a backup. They won’t offer the same presentation, but they’ll still hold all that creamy goodness inside.

Options for Substitutions

Chicken Scampi Stuffed Shells are versatile, and here are some easy swaps to fit your pantry or dietary needs:

Protein: Swap the chicken for shrimp, rotisserie chicken, or even shredded turkey.
Cheese: No mozzarella? Use provolone, fontina, or a blend of Italian cheeses for a similar melty finish.
Dairy-free: Use a plant-based cream cheese and almond or oat milk to create a dairy-free sauce.
Low-carb: Replace pasta shells with hollowed zucchini boats or large mushrooms for a low-carb twist.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta shells, and ensure your broth and seasonings are GF certified.

Ingredients for Chicken Scampi Stuffed Shells

Let’s break down the ingredients and why each one matters in this rich, comforting dish.

Jumbo Pasta Shells
These sturdy shells are the vessel for all the creamy, savory filling. Their large size holds a satisfying portion of the chicken mixture.
Cooked Chicken (shredded or diced)
The star of the filling—using precooked chicken saves time and makes this a great way to use leftovers or rotisserie chicken.
Cream Cheese
It brings a creamy, slightly tangy base that binds the filling together and keeps it rich and luscious.
Shredded Mozzarella
Melty, stretchy mozzarella adds that perfect cheesy pull and helps everything bake into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.
Parmesan Cheese
A punch of salty, umami depth that complements the garlic and herbs in the sauce.
Garlic (minced)
Essential for that classic scampi flavor—fragrant, sharp, and warming.
Butter
Used to sauté the garlic and kick off the sauce with richness and flavor.
Olive Oil
Balances the butter and adds a smoother mouthfeel to the scampi sauce.
Heavy Cream
Turns the garlic-butter base into a silky, decadent sauce that clings to the shells beautifully.
Chicken Broth
Adds savory depth and helps thin out the cream so it’s not overly thick.
Italian Seasoning
A classic herb blend that brings an aromatic lift to the entire dish.
Fresh Parsley (chopped)
For garnish and freshness—it adds color and a light herbal note to offset the richness.
Salt and Pepper
Just enough to enhance and balance every other flavor in the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Scampi Stuffed Shells

Let’s walk through the process of making these creamy, cheesy stuffed shells—from boiling the pasta to the final golden bake.

Step 1: Cook the Jumbo Shells

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta shells until just al dente—about 1–2 minutes less than the package suggests. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside on a tray, separated so they don’t stick.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine your shredded or diced cooked chicken with softened cream cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, a pinch of salt and pepper, and a tablespoon of chopped parsley. Mix until everything is well incorporated and creamy.

Step 3: Make the Scampi Sauce

In a skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, then season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Fill the Shells

Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each cooked shell generously with the chicken mixture. Arrange the stuffed shells in a greased baking dish in a single layer.

Step 5: Pour the Sauce

Evenly pour the warm garlic cream scampi sauce over the shells, making sure to cover them well. The sauce will keep the shells moist and flavorful as they bake.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Bake

Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella on top. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once baked, let the dish sit for 5–10 minutes. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top before serving.

How Long to Cook Chicken Scampi Stuffed Shells

The total baking time for Chicken Scampi Stuffed Shells is around 30–35 minutes:

Covered Bake: 20 minutes at 375°F (190°C) helps everything heat through evenly and keeps moisture locked in.
Uncovered Finish: An additional 10–15 minutes allows the cheese to bubble and brown beautifully on top.

Letting the shells rest for about 5–10 minutes after baking helps the sauce thicken slightly and makes serving much easier.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Scampi Stuffed Shells

Undercook the shells slightly: Since they’ll bake again, al dente pasta holds its shape better and won’t turn mushy.
Use softened cream cheese: This makes the filling easier to mix and ensures it spreads evenly inside the shells.
Shred your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting. Freshly shredded mozzarella and Parmesan melt much more beautifully.
Don’t skip the garlic: It’s what brings the scampi flavor alive—use fresh garlic if possible for maximum aroma.
Taste your filling: Before stuffing, adjust salt and pepper so the filling is perfectly seasoned.
Layer the sauce generously: Pouring the sauce over and around the shells keeps everything moist and rich during baking.
Cover with foil at first: This traps the steam and prevents the tops from drying out too early.
Add herbs at the end: Fresh parsley on top adds a pop of color and brightness to balance the richness.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even a comfort dish like Chicken Scampi Stuffed Shells has its pitfalls. Here’s what to avoid to make sure it turns out perfectly:

Overcooking the pasta: Boil the shells just until al dente, or they’ll fall apart during stuffing and baking.
Not draining the pasta properly: Excess water can dilute the sauce and make the final dish watery.
Skipping the sauce simmer: If the scampi sauce is too thin, it won’t cling to the shells. Simmer until slightly thickened.
Uneven stuffing: Inconsistent filling in the shells can lead to uneven baking—aim for equal amounts in each shell.
Dry baking: Not enough sauce means dry shells. Be generous when pouring the sauce over the top.
Not seasoning the filling: It should be flavorful on its own before baking.
Using cold filling: Let the chicken-cheese mixture come to room temp so it bakes evenly.
Skipping rest time: Let the dish sit for a few minutes after baking—this helps everything set and enhances flavor.

What to Serve With Chicken Scampi Stuffed Shells?

Round out your meal with a variety of textures and flavors that complement the creamy richness of the shells.

Simple Arugula Salad

Peppery greens tossed in lemon vinaigrette offer a fresh, bright contrast.

Garlic Bread

Crunchy, buttery, and perfect for soaking up extra scampi sauce.

Roasted Broccoli

Adds color and nutrients with a slightly charred bite.

Sautéed Mushrooms

Earthy and savory—they pair beautifully with the creamy filling.

White Wine

A crisp glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc enhances the garlic and cream notes.

Marinated Cucumbers

Light and refreshing with a tangy crunch between bites.

Lemon Asparagus

Adds a citrusy punch and pairs well with scampi’s garlicky profile.

Caprese Skewers

Mini skewers of tomato, mozzarella, and basil to echo the Italian flavor vibe.

Storage Instructions

Chicken Scampi Stuffed Shells store and reheat beautifully, making them a great option for leftovers or meal prep.

Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container or covered baking dish. They’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days in the fridge.
Freezer: You can freeze the assembled but unbaked shells (with sauce) in a freezer-safe dish wrapped tightly in foil and plastic wrap. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months.
To Reheat (Refrigerated): Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes or until warmed through. Add a splash of broth or cream if the sauce looks too thick.
To Reheat (Frozen): Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as above. If baking from frozen, extend the cooking time to about 45–50 minutes, covering it for the first 30 minutes, then uncovering to brown.

Estimated Nutrition

Note: These values are based on a serving of approximately 3 stuffed shells with sauce. Actual numbers may vary depending on the specific brands and quantities you use.

Calories: ~480 kcal
Protein: ~28g
Carbohydrates: ~30g
Fat: ~27g
Saturated Fat: ~13g
Cholesterol: ~100mg
Sodium: ~720mg
Fiber: ~2g
Sugar: ~3g
Calcium: ~250mg

This dish is hearty and protein-rich, with indulgent fats from cheese and cream. Pair it with lighter sides to balance out the meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Chicken Scampi Stuffed Shells ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire dish a day in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just add 5–10 minutes to the cook time to ensure it heats through.

Can I freeze this dish after baking?

Yes! Let the shells cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container or wrap the baking dish tightly. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.

What’s the best chicken to use?

Shredded rotisserie chicken is quick and flavorful, but any cooked chicken breast or thigh will work well. Just make sure it’s tender and not overly dry.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Jumbo shells are ideal, but if you can’t find them, manicotti tubes or even lasagna noodles rolled around the filling can work in a pinch.

How can I lighten up the recipe?

Swap the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk (note it may be a little thinner), use reduced-fat cheeses, and add more veggies to the filling like spinach or zucchini.

What’s a good vegetarian version?

Skip the chicken and use a blend of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and ricotta or cream cheese for a hearty vegetarian twist.

Why is my sauce too runny?

It likely didn’t simmer long enough. Make sure to reduce the scampi sauce slightly before pouring it over the shells so it clings and thickens as it bakes.

How do I know the shells are done baking?

The cheese on top should be melted, golden, and bubbling, and the sauce should be hot and creamy underneath. A thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

Conclusion

Chicken Scampi Stuffed Shells take everything I love about comfort food—cheesy filling, creamy sauce, satisfying pasta—and elevate it with bright garlic and herbs. It’s an elegant twist on classic baked pasta that’s both impressive and approachable. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just need a cozy dinner idea, this dish is a standout every time.

It’s one of those meals that feels like a warm hug, with enough flexibility to suit your style or pantry. Trust me—once you try it, it’s going to become a regular on your dinner rotation.