Description
Prepare to be swept off your feet by the irresistible flavors of these Crispy Chicken Bacon Ranch Cheesy Stuffed Shells! This dish is a comforting and indulgent masterpiece, perfectly blending tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy ranch-infused cheese filling, all nestled within jumbo pasta shells. Get ready to dive into a world of cheesy, bacony goodness that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoon chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C). This will ensure your shells bake to perfection.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until they’re al dente. Drain the shells and set them aside, ready to be filled with the irresistible chicken and bacon mixture.
3. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped bacon, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, the ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until the flavors are beautifully blended.
4. Carefully spoon the chicken and bacon mixture into each cooked pasta shell, nestling the flavors snugly inside. Arrange the stuffed shells in a greased baking dish, ready for the grand finale.
5. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the stuffed shells, creating a melty, cheesy blanket of goodness.
6. Cover the baking dish with foil and pop it in the oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
7. Once the Crispy Chicken Bacon Ranch Cheesy Stuffed Shells have baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle the top with the fresh chopped parsley for a vibrant, appetizing finish. Serve hot and watch as your family and friends dive in with delight!
Notes
To ensure your Crispy Chicken Bacon Ranch Cheesy Stuffed Shells turn out absolutely mouthwatering, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Be gentle when handling the cooked pasta shells to prevent them from breaking. Gently spoon the filling into each shell to maintain their delicate structure.
Make sure the chicken and bacon mixture is well-combined and has a creamy, spreadable consistency for easy filling.
Allow the baked shells to rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the cheese set and the flavors to meld together perfectly.
Feel free to add your own twist by incorporating sautéed vegetables, different cheeses, or a spicy kick with some diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 2 grams
- Sodium: 800 milligrams
- Fat: 27 grams
- Saturated Fat: 10 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 33 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Protein: 30 grams
- Cholesterol: 80 milligrams