Super Simple Stuffed Shells

I may be a little late on the “shell game” but I recently discovered another great and simple meal go-to: stuffed shells.  I’m always looking for a super quick meal that I can whip up on a weekday using things I have sitting in my fridge.  The recipe I included below is scrumptious and can be easily modified to use whatever you have sitting around in the fridge. 

This meal can also be prepared ahead of time so all you have to do is pop it into the oven and voila!

  

Super Simple Stuffed Shells

14-18 jumbo pasta shells

2 cups vodka cream pasta sauce (feel free to use any kind of sauce, this is just my favorite) 

4 oz cream cheese

1 ¼ cups grated Parmesan cheese (1 cup for filling and ¼ cup for topping)

3 heaping tablespoons of pesto (I love the pre packaged pesto from Trader Joe’s)

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (I tend to use a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store.  It’s easy and affordable!)

2 cloves minced garlic

Step 1: Cook pasta shells as directed on package only until they are al dente.

Step 2: In a bowl, combine cream cheese, Parmesan cheese (reserve the ¼ cup for topping), pesto, chicken and garlic.

Step 3: Pour pasta sauce into baking dish, lining the bottom.  Use the filling mixture from above to stuff your pasta shells and place on top of sauce.  Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese.

Step 4: Place the stuffed shells into your preheated 350-degree oven for about 30 minutes. Enjoy.

***Toss a simple green salad to serve alongside and you are set to enjoy a great meal!