A delightful twist on a classic dish, these cheesy chicken stuffed pasta shells are perfect for a comforting family dinner.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Preheating ensures even cooking and optimal texture.
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, oregano, parsley, basil, and salt until well mixed.
Mix thoroughly to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the prepared filling using a spoon.
Be gentle to avoid tearing the pasta shells.
Spread 1/2 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a casserole dish.
This prevents the shells from sticking to the dish.
Arrange the stuffed pasta shells in the casserole dish in a single layer.
Leave a little space between each shell for even cooking.
Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are well covered.
Covering the shells with sauce prevents them from drying out.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
Covering the dish helps retain moisture and cook evenly.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to brown the cheese.
Keep an eye on the dish to prevent over-browning.
Let the dish cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooling allows the flavors to settle and makes serving easier.