Homemade Creamy Roasted Garlic Chicken Shells photo

If you’re craving a comforting, creamy, and utterly delicious dinner, these Creamy Roasted Garlic Chicken Shells are just the ticket. Tender shredded chicken meets the rich flavors of roasted garlic and a luscious blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and melty mozzarella, all nestled inside jumbo pasta shells. Topped with Parmesan and Italian seasoning, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or serving guests without a fuss.

Why I Love This Recipe

Classic Creamy Roasted Garlic Chicken Shells recipe image

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a pasta dish that feels indulgent yet homemade, and these Creamy Roasted Garlic Chicken Shells hit that sweet spot perfectly. I love how the roasted garlic adds a mellow, slightly sweet depth that transforms the filling into something special. Plus, the combination of cream cheese and sour cream creates a beautifully creamy texture that clings to every bite. It’s also a fantastic way to use shredded chicken, making this recipe a great way to repurpose leftovers or cook chicken specifically for an easy, make-ahead meal. The fresh parsley garnish adds a pop of color and freshness that balances the richness. Honestly, it’s become one of my go-to dishes when I want something comforting but still a little elevated.

Ingredient Breakdown

  • 1 pound chicken breast, shredded – The star protein in this dish. Shredded chicken makes the filling hearty and easy to stuff inside the shells.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil – Used for roasting the garlic, bringing out its natural sweetness and mellowing the bite.
  • 1 head garlic, roasted – Roasting garlic transforms it from sharp and pungent to soft, sweet, and caramelized, perfect for blending into the creamy filling.
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened – Adds richness and creaminess, making the filling irresistibly smooth.
  • 1/2 cup sour cream – Brings a slight tang that balances the richness of the cream cheese and cheeses.
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully, giving the filling a gooey texture.
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty, nutty flavor and a bit of sharpness.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A classic blend of herbs that enhances the flavor profile without overpowering the garlic.
  • Salt and pepper to taste – Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors together.
  • 12 jumbo pasta shells – The perfect vessel for holding the creamy chicken mixture.
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish – Adds freshness and a lovely pop of green for presentation.

Tools of the Trade

  • Baking sheet – For roasting the garlic head to perfection.
  • Large pot – To boil the jumbo pasta shells until tender.
  • Mixing bowl – To combine the creamy filling ingredients.
  • Baking dish – To assemble and bake the stuffed shells.
  • Aluminum foil – Useful for covering the dish during baking to prevent the cheese from browning too quickly.
  • Forks or tongs – For shredding the chicken breast and handling the pasta shells.

Build Creamy Roasted Garlic Chicken Shells Step by Step

Easy Creamy Roasted Garlic Chicken Shells dish photo

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the top off the head of garlic, drizzle with olive oil, wrap it tightly in foil, and roast for 30-35 minutes until soft and fragrant. Once cooled, squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out into a bowl. This step is key for that signature mellow, sweet garlic flavor in the filling.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta Shells

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package directions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain carefully and set aside, making sure they don’t stick together by tossing them gently with a bit of olive oil if needed.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken Filling

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken breast, softened cream cheese, sour cream, roasted garlic, mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well incorporated and creamy. The roasted garlic will blend beautifully into the cream cheeses, creating a luscious, flavorful filling.

Step 4: Stuff the Shells

Carefully spoon the creamy chicken mixture into each cooked jumbo shell. Be generous but gentle to avoid tearing the pasta. Arrange the stuffed shells in a baking dish, fitting them snugly side by side.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes. Remove the foil in the last 5 minutes to let the tops brown slightly and get a lovely golden finish.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the shells for a fresh burst of color and flavor. Serve hot for the best creamy, cheesy experience.

Ingredient Swaps & Substitutions

Delicious Creamy Roasted Garlic Chicken Shells food shot

  • Chicken: Use cooked turkey breast or even shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience.
  • Cream Cheese: Substitute with mascarpone or ricotta for a slightly different creamy texture.
  • Sour Cream: Greek yogurt works well as a tangy, healthier alternative.
  • Mozzarella: Try provolone or Monterey Jack if you want a different melt and flavor.
  • Italian Seasoning: Fresh basil, oregano, and thyme can be used if you want to customize the herb profile.
  • Pasta Shells: If jumbo shells aren’t available, large manicotti tubes are a great substitute.

Don’t Do This

  • Don’t skip roasting the garlic – raw garlic will overpower the dish with sharpness.
  • Avoid overcooking the pasta shells – they should be al dente to hold the filling without breaking.
  • Don’t neglect seasoning – salt and pepper bring out all the flavors in the creamy filling.
  • Don’t forget to cover the dish while baking initially – this prevents the cheese from burning before the filling is heated through.

Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat

You can refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the shells in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 15-20 minutes).

For freezing, assemble the stuffed shells but do not bake. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

Reader Q&A

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap out the jumbo pasta shells for gluten-free pasta shells or use gluten-free manicotti tubes. Make sure to check all your ingredients like cream cheese and sour cream for any gluten additives, though they typically are gluten-free.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can omit the chicken and increase the cheese and roasted garlic amounts for a purely vegetarian version. Adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the filling also adds wonderful texture and flavor.

Can I add some vegetables to the filling?

Definitely! Finely chopped spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes make excellent additions. Just sauté any vegetables first to remove excess moisture before mixing into the filling.

What pairs well with Creamy Roasted Garlic Chicken Shells?

A crisp green salad or steamed broccoli makes a lovely fresh contrast. For something heartier, try pairing it with a side like our Garlic Butter Shrimp Zucchini Skillet or even a simple garlic bread.

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Serve & Enjoy

Serve these Creamy Roasted Garlic Chicken Shells fresh out of the oven with a sprinkle of parsley and maybe a side of your favorite greens. The creamy, cheesy filling paired with the tender pasta shells makes every bite feel like a cozy hug. Whether it’s a family dinner or a weekend gathering, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the comforting flavors and the ease of preparation that makes it a staple in my kitchen!

This dish brings together the best of creamy, cheesy goodness with the aromatic sweetness of roasted garlic and tender chicken, creating a meal that’s both satisfying and impressive. Give it a try and watch it become one of your favorite weeknight meals!

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Irresistible Creamy Roasted Garlic Chicken Shells

Homemade Creamy Roasted Garlic Chicken Shells photo

Creamy Roasted Garlic Chicken Shells

These Creamy Roasted Garlic Chicken Shells are a comforting, cheesy dinner with tender shredded chicken and rich roasted garlic flavor, perfect for weeknight meals!
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Chicken, Comforting, Creamy, Easy, Pasta, Roasted Garlic
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 pound chicken breast shredded
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for roasting the garlic
  • 1 head garlic roasted
  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 12 jumbo pasta shells
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the top off the head of garlic, drizzle with olive oil, wrap it tightly in foil, and roast for 30-35 minutes until soft and fragrant. Once cooled, squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out into a bowl.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package directions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain carefully and set aside, tossing gently with a bit of olive oil if needed to prevent sticking.
  • In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken breast, softened cream cheese, sour cream, roasted garlic, mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well incorporated and creamy.
  • Carefully spoon the creamy chicken mixture into each cooked jumbo shell. Arrange the stuffed shells in a baking dish, fitting them snugly side by side.
  • Cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes. Remove the foil in the last 5 minutes to let the tops brown slightly.
  • Once out of the oven, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the shells for a fresh burst of color and flavor. Serve hot.

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet
  • Large Pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Baking Dish
  • Aluminum Foil
  • Forks or tongs

Notes

  • Roast the garlic to mellow its flavor; raw garlic will overpower the dish.
  • Do not overcook pasta shells; they should be al dente to hold the filling without breaking.
  • Cover the dish during baking to prevent the cheese from burning before the filling is heated through.
  • Substitute ingredients like turkey for chicken or mascarpone for cream cheese to vary the flavor and texture.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen unbaked for up to 3 months.

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