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–+ servings

Stuffed Ricotta Chicken & Spinach Shells with Vodka Sauce

This dish is a labor of love, but SO worth it—cheesy, saucy, and topped with crispy mozzarella for the perfect bite. Save this recipe for your next special dinner!
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Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Servings 20 shells or about whatever your baking dish accomodates

Equipment

  • Baking Dish

Ingredients
  

For the Filling

  • 12 ounces ground chicken
  • 2 cup spinach
  • 1 zucchini shredded
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil
  • 1.5 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1.5 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • salt, and pepper to taste

For Assembly & Baking

  • appx. 1/2 box jumbo pasta shells about 20 shells or whatever your baking dish accommodates
  • 2 cups vodka sauce or marinara sauce
  • 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 400°F.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté your chicken until the chicken is fully cooked and any liquid has evaporated with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  • Add ground chicken, spinach, shredded zucchini, garlic, and Italian seasoning.
    I shredded my zucchini straight into the skillet for less dishes ;)
  • Sauté until the chicken is fully cooked and any liquid has evaporated.
  • Once the spinach is wilted, remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Cook the jumbo shells 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions (they should be slightly underdone).
  • Drain and set aside.
  • In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken mixture with ricotta cheese.
  • Stuff each shell generously with the ricotta-chicken mixture and place them opening side down in the dish.
  • Pour an even layer of vodka sauce over the shells.
  • Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the top.
  • Bake for 8-10 minutes at 400°F or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  • Sprinkle with fresh basil before serving.
  • Enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness!

Video

@katieaustin

Such a good din!!! Stuffed Ricotta, Chicken, Spinach Shells with Vodka Sauce and Crispy Mozzarella to top! Save to make for Valentine’s Day 💕❤️🍝

♬ original sound - Katie Austin
Keyword Chicken, Pasta, Ricotta, Spinach
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