Cheesy Shells With Chicken Recipe

Name: Cheesy Shells With Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups small shell pasta, uncooked; 1 tablespoon butter; 6 green onions, chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh minced garlic (or to taste); 1 small green pepper, seeded and chopped (optional); ½ teaspoon dried basil (or to taste); 3 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons flour; 1 ¾ cups half-and-half cream; 4 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1 ¼ cups grated old cheddar cheese; 1 teaspoon louisiana hot sauce (or to taste); salt and pepper; 1 ½ cups cooked chicken or 1 ½ cups cooked turkey; 2 cups crushed butter flavored crackers (optional)

Servings: persons

1 ½ cups small shell pasta, uncooked
1 tablespoon butter
6 green onions, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh minced garlic (or to taste)
1 small green pepper, seeded and chopped (optional)
½ teaspoon dried basil (or to taste)
3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
1 ¾ cups half-and-half cream
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 ¼ cups grated old cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon louisiana hot sauce (or to taste)
salt and pepper
1 ½ cups cooked chicken or 1 ½ cups cooked turkey
2 cups crushed butter flavored crackers (optional)

1
Set oven to 350 degrees F.
2
Butter a 2-quart casserole dish.
3
Cook the shells in a pot of boiling salted water until just al dente (leave the shells slightly undercooked) drain and place in a large bowl, toss with a tablespoon of butter to prevent sticking.
4
In a large skillet melt 3 tablespoon butter; add in the green onions, bell pepper (if using) and basil, saute for about 7-8 minutes, adding in the garlic the last 2 minutes of cooking.
5
Add in the flour and half and half cream, whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth.
6
Add in cream cheese; cook over medium heat, whisking constantly for about 5 minutes or until the mixture thickens.
7
Add in shredded cheddar and hot sauce; stir until the cheese has melted, then season with salt and pepper.
8
Pour the mixture into the bowl with the cooked shells, add in the cooked chicken; toss to combine.
9
Transfer to prepared baking dish.
10
Sprinkle with crushed crackers (if using).
11
Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

2098

kcal

Calories

168

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.
Coconut cream is a reliable plant-based alternative to dairy cream.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

Saved locally in your browser — visible only to you.

How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 15 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 ½ cups small shell pasta, uncooked, 1 tablespoon butter, 6 green onions, chopped, 2 tablespoons fresh minced garlic (or to taste), and more.

Yes, Cheesy Shells With Chicken falls under the Meat & Poultry category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Cheesy Shells With Chicken

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions