If you’re on the hunt for a dish that combines the creamy, addictive flavors of crack chicken with the comforting embrace of pasta, then these Crack Chicken Stuffed Shells are your answer. This recipe brings together tender jumbo pasta shells stuffed with a rich, cheesy chicken filling that’s bursting with flavor. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a busy weeknight, yet impressive enough to serve at a family gathering.
What makes this dish truly stand out is the irresistible combination of creamy textures and savory ingredients. Inspired by the viral crack chicken trend, this recipe takes shredded chicken, cream cheese, cheddar, and a hint of ranch seasoning, stuffing it into perfectly cooked shells. Topped with a luscious sauce and baked to golden perfection, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Whether you’re a fan of chicken pasta dishes or simply looking for new weeknight dinner ideas, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Let’s dive into how to create this mouthwatering comfort food masterpiece that blends the best of Italian recipes with a modern twist.
Recipe Overview
Cuisine: American-Italian Fusion
Category: Main Dish, Chicken Recipes, Pasta Recipes
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
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Crack Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe
Ingredients:
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Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6-8
What You’ll Need
Creating the perfect Crack Chicken Stuffed Shells requires a handful of key components, each playing a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture. Here’s a breakdown of what each ingredient brings to the table:
- Jumbo Pasta Shells: These act as the vessel for holding the creamy filling, providing a hearty base for the dish.
- Shredded Chicken: The star protein, offering a tender and savory bite that pairs beautifully with the creamy elements.
- Cream Cheese: Adds a velvety richness to the filling, making it irresistibly smooth.
- Cheddar Cheese: Brings a sharp, melty goodness that enhances the overall cheesy profile.
- Ranch Seasoning: The secret weapon that gives that signature crack chicken flavor with its tangy, herbaceous kick.
- Bacon: Provides a smoky, crispy contrast to the creamy filling, elevating every bite.
- Heavy Cream: Used in the sauce to create a luscious, decadent topping for the shells.
Discover the creamy, savory blend in Crack Chicken Stuffed Shells!
INGREDIENTS
- – 12 oz jumbo pasta shells
- – 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- – 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- – 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- – 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- – 6 strips cooked bacon, crumbled
- – 1 cup heavy cream
- – 1/2 cup chicken broth
- – 1 tsp garlic powder
- – 1/2 tsp black pepper
- – 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
PREPARATION
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Cook the jumbo pasta shells in a large pot of salted boiling water for about 8-10 minutes or until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, ranch seasoning mix, and crumbled bacon. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Stuff each cooked pasta shell with about 1-2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture, then arrange the stuffed shells in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, and black pepper. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally.
- Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden edges.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired, then serve warm.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
- Calories: 520 per serving
- Total Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
- Sodium: 780mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 26g
*Nutrition values are approximate and based on a serving size of 1/8 of the recipe.
Why Is It Called Crack Chicken?
The term crack chicken comes from the addictive nature of the flavor profile, thanks to the combination of cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and cheddar. It’s a dish so tasty that you can’t stop at just one bite, much like these Crack Chicken Stuffed Shells.
Can I Use Different Pasta Shapes?
While jumbo shells are ideal for stuffing, you can experiment with other large pasta shapes like manicotti or even rigatoni if needed. Just ensure they can hold a generous amount of the creamy chicken filling.
How to Make This Dish Ahead of Time
These stuffed shells are perfect for meal prep. Assemble everything up to the baking step, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if starting from cold.
Customizing the Flavor Profile
Feel free to tweak the flavors by adding ingredients like diced jalapeños for a spicy kick or swapping cheddar for mozzarella for a milder, stretchy cheese texture. This flexibility makes it a standout among chicken recipes.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes or in the microwave for a quicker option, ensuring the creamy sauce stays intact.
Pairing Suggestions for a Complete Meal
Serve these Crack Chicken Stuffed Shells with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli to balance the richness. A slice of garlic bread on the side is also a fantastic addition to soak up the extra sauce.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I Freeze Crack Chicken Stuffed Shells?
Absolutely! Assemble the dish without baking, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, adding a few extra minutes to ensure it’s heated through.
Is There a Lighter Version of This Recipe?
Yes, you can lighten it up by using reduced-fat cream cheese and cheddar, or substituting heavy cream with half-and-half. Keep in mind that the texture might be slightly less rich, but it will still be a delicious weeknight dinner option.
Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken for This Recipe?
Definitely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver and works perfectly in these Crack Chicken Stuffed Shells. Just shred the meat and mix it into the filling for an easy, flavorful base.
Savor the creamy, cheesy goodness of this comforting dish!
Conclusion
These Crack Chicken Stuffed Shells are more than just a meal; they’re an experience of pure comfort food bliss. With every bite, you get the creamy, cheesy goodness of crack chicken wrapped in tender pasta, making it a dish that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re whipping it up for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests, this recipe delivers on flavor and satisfaction every time.
Ready to make this a regular in your meal rotation? Dive into the recipe and don’t forget to share your creations with us. For more delicious ideas like this, explore other chicken pasta dishes and Italian recipes on our site at example.com. Happy cooking!
