Chicken and Ricotta Shells
Chicken and Ricotta Shells is a comforting Italian-American baked pasta dish featuring jumbo pasta shells stuffed with a creamy ricotta and shredded chicken mixture, often baked in marinara sauce. It combines tender pasta, savory chicken, and a rich cheese filling, typically finished with melted mozzarella. The dish is a hearty, family-style meal popular in home cooking.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is high in protein from the chicken and ricotta, with a moderate amount of fat from the cheeses and a significant carbohydrate content from the pasta. It provides a good source of calcium, phosphorus, and B vitamins, with a typical serving containing roughly 400-550 calories.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 480 kcal |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Carbs | 38 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 680 mg |
| Calcium | 280 mg |
| Phosphorus | 320 mg |
| Potassium | 350 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 1.8 mcg |
| Selenium | 24 mcg |
| Zinc | 3.2 mg |
| Vitamin A | 150 mcg |
| Iron | 2.1 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
The use of jumbo pasta shells as an edible vessel is a clever and visually appealing twist on traditional stuffed pasta like manicotti, making it easier to assemble. Nutritionally, it offers a balanced macronutrient profile, combining lean protein, dairy fats, and complex carbs in one satisfying package.
