Description
Imagine a harmonious blend of juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch dressing, all nestled within tender pasta shells – that’s the mouthwatering delight that is Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Shells. This comforting dish is a crowd-pleasing favorite, combining the irresistible flavors of a classic chicken bacon ranch dish with the satisfying heartiness of baked pasta.
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Shells: Boil the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, ricotta cheese, ½ cup of the mozzarella cheese, ranch dressing, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
4. Stuff the Shells: Carefully fill each cooked pasta shell with the chicken and bacon mixture, then place the stuffed shells in a greased baking dish.
5. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top of the stuffed shells.
6. Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
7. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the fresh chopped parsley over the top of the Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Shells. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
To ensure your Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Shells turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:
Cook the Pasta Shells Carefully: Be mindful not to overcook the pasta shells, as they should still have a slight bite to them. This will prevent them from breaking or tearing when you’re stuffing them.
Customize the Filling: Feel free to experiment with the filling by adding in other ingredients like sautéed spinach, diced tomatoes, or even a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a little extra kick.
Achieve the Perfect Cheese Melt: Make sure to use high-quality, freshly shredded mozzarella cheese for the best melty texture. Avoid pre-shredded cheese, as it often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent the cheese from melting smoothly.
Store and Reheat Leftovers: Leftover Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Shells can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 400
- Calories: 2
- Sugar: 500
- Sodium: 21
- Fat: 0
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 25
- Cholesterol: 80