Imagine the comfort of tender, cheese-stuffed pasta shells, but with a zesty twist that’s bursting with garlicky richness and fresh lemon flavor. That’s exactly what you get with Chicken Scampi Stuffed Pasta Shells: a dish that combines luscious seasoned chicken, a creamy, garlicky scampi sauce, and plenty of melted cheese, all tucked inside perfectly cooked shells. This recipe delivers bold flavors with surprisingly simple ingredients, making it a stunner for family dinners, gatherings, or when you simply want to impress yourself with something truly special.

Chicken Scampi Stuffed Pasta Shells Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Chicken Scampi Stuffed Pasta Shells is that every ingredient plays a starring role, from the juicy chicken to the sharp pop of parmesan and the bright hit of lemon. Gather these kitchen basics and prepare for a dish that bursts with color, texture, and incredible flavor!

Chicken tenders, diced: Tender and moist, these ensure each bite is packed with savory chicken goodness.

Olive oil: The perfect base for marinating and sauteing the chicken, adding smooth richness.
Jumbo pasta shells: Their generous size is made for loading with all that amazing chicken and cheese filling.

Shredded cheese (Monterey Jack, cheddar, mozzarella, etc.): A dreamy cheese melt and lots of flavor depth; mix and match your favorites!
Paprika: Adds vibrant color and a subtle, smoky warmth to the chicken seasoning.

Cayenne pepper: For a gentle kick that wakes up the whole dish. Adjust to your spice preference!
Garlic powder: Savory undertones that complement the fresh garlic in the sauce perfectly.
Onion powder: Brings a gentle sweetness and rounds out the chicken’s seasoning.

Oregano: A small amount infuses the chicken with aromatic, herbaceous notes.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for making all the flavors pop.
Butter, softened: The backbone of the scampi sauce, it creates that creamy, glossy finish.

Garlic, minced: Use plenty for an irresistibly aromatic sauce that is the hallmark of scampi.
Reserved chicken seasoning: A punch of extra flavor for the sauce, tying everything together.
Red pepper flakes: Scatters of heat that make the sauce sing.

Dry white wine: Splurge on something good here; it brings acidity and depth to the sauce.
Chicken stock or broth: Lends savory backbone and moistness to the creamy sauce.
Pasta water: The starchy trick for perfect sauce consistency.

Lemon zest and juice: Vital for a bright, fresh punch that defines classic scampi flavor.
Heavy cream: Makes the sauce rich and lush; don’t skip it!
Parmesan: Adds sharp, nutty complexity and helps the sauce thicken just right.

Fresh parsley, finely chopped: Sprinkles of green for a finishing touch of freshness.
Extra salt and pepper to taste: For fine-tuning before serving.

How to Make Chicken Scampi Stuffed Pasta Shells

Step 1: Mix and Season the Chicken

Start by combining all the chicken seasoning ingredients (paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper) in a small bowl. Reserve one teaspoon of this mixture for the sauce—trust me, this little bit adds so much flavor later! Toss the diced chicken in a bowl or zip-top bag with one tablespoon of olive oil and the remaining seasoning. Make sure every piece is coated so those spices work their magic during cooking.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Place a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, then add the remaining two tablespoons of olive oil. Once it’s shimmering, add the seasoned chicken and cook until golden and cooked through—this should only take a few minutes. The goal is juicy, flavorful pieces (aim for an internal temp of 165°F). Scoop the chicken into a large bowl, tent loosely with foil, and set aside while you work on the sauce.

Step 3: Prepare the Scampi Sauce

Without washing your pan (those tasty brown bits are pure flavor!), melt two tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Drop in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about two minutes. Pour in the dry white wine and let it bubble, reducing to about two-thirds of a cup (five minutes or so). Meanwhile, boil a big pot of water and cook your jumbo pasta shells to al dente according to package instructions. Timing these together will make assembly a breeze.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce

Whisk the remaining butter into the pan until melted and velvety. Stir in the red pepper flakes, reserved seasoning, salt, pepper, chicken stock, lemon zest and juice, heavy cream, parmesan, and parsley. Let everything gently bubble until it thickens slightly, then add the reserved pasta water for extra silkiness. This sauce is the soul of Chicken Scampi Stuffed Pasta Shells, so give it a taste and adjust seasoning if you’d like.

Step 5: Stuff the Shells and Assemble

Add half of your shredded cheese to the bowl with the cooked chicken and toss gently—melty cheese is about to meet tender chicken! Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread half a cup of sauce on the bottom to keep everything deliciously moist. Stuff each pasta shell with a big spoonful of the chicken-cheese mixture and nestle them into the dish, side by side. Pour the rest of your dreamy scampi sauce over all the shells, making sure each one gets a generous coating. Any shells you missed? Go ahead and spoon some sauce on them.

Step 6: Top with Cheese and Bake

Finish things off by sprinkling the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the shells. Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly. Your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing! Let it stand for a few minutes before serving to help the flavors settle and the cheese set slightly.

How to Serve Chicken Scampi Stuffed Pasta Shells

Garnishes

For the most inviting presentation, shower your Chicken Scampi Stuffed Pasta Shells with a little extra chopped fresh parsley and a few grinds of black pepper just before serving. If you’re feeling fancy, add some extra lemon zest over the top for a burst of color and tang that truly celebrates the scampi spirit.

Side Dishes

These hearty stuffed shells are just begging to be paired with simple sides. A crisp green salad with a vinaigrette, roasted or steamed vegetables, or a loaf of warm, crusty bread is perfect for sopping up the luscious scampi sauce. If you want to go all out, buttery garlic bread will complement the garlicky notes in the dish beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the casserole! Try arranging individual shells on a platter and topping each with a delicate curl of lemon peel for an eye-catching passed appetizer. Or, use colorful baking dishes for an extra pop at the table. However you present your Chicken Scampi Stuffed Pasta Shells, a sprinkle of finishing salt and fresh herbs right before serving elevates the whole experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers of these irresistible Chicken Scampi Stuffed Pasta Shells, transfer them to an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days and reheat beautifully, making lunch or dinner the next day something to truly look forward to.

Freezing

Want to prep ahead or save some for a later treat? You absolutely can freeze Chicken Scampi Stuffed Pasta Shells. Assemble the dish completely, but stop before baking. Wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to two months. To bake from frozen, add an extra 10–15 minutes of baking time, or thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the shells with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly—this keeps the cheese oozy and the pasta from drying out. Individual portions can be microwaved in a pinch; just add a splash of broth or water to maintain creaminess. A quick fresh sprinkle of parsley or parmesan makes leftovers feel brand new.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?

Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and works wonderfully here. Just toss it with the seasoning and proceed with the recipe as directed for that signature Chicken Scampi Stuffed Pasta Shells flavor.

What if I don’t have white wine?

You can swap in extra chicken stock for the wine. While you won’t get quite the same depth, the sauce will still be creamy and flavorful, with the lemon and garlic taking center stage.

Is it possible to make it less spicy?

Of course! Simply reduce or omit the cayenne and red pepper flakes for a milder take on Chicken Scampi Stuffed Pasta Shells. The dish is still packed with bright, zesty flavor.

Which cheeses are best to use?

A blend of mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and cheddar is a delicious starting point, but feel free to mix and match based on your favorites or what’s in your fridge. Provolone or fontina are also great additions for a gooier center.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Look for gluten-free jumbo pasta shells (these are widely available), and double-check that your chicken broth is certified gluten-free as well. The rest of the ingredients are naturally free from gluten.

Final Thoughts

This is one dinner where flavor and comfort combine in the happiest way. Once you try Chicken Scampi Stuffed Pasta Shells, I guarantee you’ll crave their zesty, cheesy warmth again and again. Don’t be surprised when this dish becomes the most requested meal at your table—give it a try and see just how unforgettable homemade pasta magic can be!