Prepare to revolutionize your dinner routine with the most irresistible culinary mashup you've ever tasted! Imagine the zesty flavors of classic tacos nestled inside tender pasta shells, creating a comfort food experience that will make your taste buds dance with excitement. This Chicken Taco Stuffed Shells recipe is not just a meal – it's a flavor explosion that combines the best of Mexican and Italian cuisines in one incredible dish that will have your family begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9x13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground chicken, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. Cook for 6-8 minutes until no pink remains.
- Add the taco seasoning to the ground chicken, stirring to coat evenly. Pour in 1/2 cup of salsa and mix thoroughly. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
- Carefully stuff each cooked pasta shell with the seasoned chicken mixture, placing them seam-side up in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the remaining salsa over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are evenly covered.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the shells.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Top with a dollop of sour cream before serving.
Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality ground chicken for the most flavorful filling. Make sure to break it into small, even crumbles while cooking.
- Don't overcook the pasta shells – aim for al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy when baked.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cumin or chili powder to the taco seasoning mix.
- If you want to add more vegetables, try mixing in some diced bell peppers or corn with the chicken filling.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set and make serving easier.
- For a spicier version, use a hot salsa or add some diced jalapeños to the filling.
- Serve with additional toppings like chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or a squeeze of fresh lime for extra zest.
- Leftover shells can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the oven to maintain their crispy texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 95mg
