Friday, November 4, 2011

Pesto Chicken Stuffed Shells

http://joelens.blogspot.com/2010/05/pesto-chicken-stuffed-shells.html
This recipe smelled delicious- was very easy to make and I couldn't wait to eat it for dinner.  Unfortunetly, pregnancy had another plan and I couldn't even stand the taste of it.  My hubby and son LOVED these shells and ate all of the leftovers and said they couldn't wait for the frozen dish of them I made for when the baby comes.  :)  I did put a layer of alfredo sauce on the bottom of the pan- think I'll try marinara next time b/c it was almost too cheesy.
 
Pesto Chicken Stuffed Shells
original Joelen recipe

12-16 jumbo pasta shells
water for boiling pasta
4oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan or Asiago cheese + 1/4 cup for topping
3 tablespoons prepared pesto (homemade or store bought)
2 cups shredded cooked chicken
2 cloves garlic, minced
salt and pepper to taste


In a large pot over high heat, boil water and prepare pasta shells as directed on package. Cook pasta shells only until al dente. The pasta will finish cooking when the dish is baked. Drain the pasta shells and set aside.

In a large bowl, combine the rest of the ingredients, except the 1/4 cup of cheese for the topping. Fill the pasta shells with the filling and place in a baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of cheese over filled shells.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and bake shells uncovered for 30 minutes or until shells are bubbling hot and cheese melts.

 To make ahead/freezer meals - Prepare as directed but place filled shells in an oven- and freezer-proof baking dish. Top with remaining 1/4 cup of cheese over filled shells, cover and freeze. When ready to prepare, defrost. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and bake shells uncovered for 35-40 minutes or until shells are bubbling hot and cheese melts

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