Creamy Chicken and Shells: The Ultimate Comfort Pasta for Busy Weeknights

There’s something undeniably comforting about a creamy pasta dish that’s both simple to make and incredibly satisfying. Creamy Chicken and Shells is exactly that kind of meal. It takes the classic comfort of pasta shells swimming in a rich tomato-cream sauce and adds the heartiness of ground chicken to make it more wholesome and balanced. Whether you’re cooking for your family after a long day or meal prepping for the week, this one-pot wonder delivers cozy flavor with minimal effort. It’s also highly adaptable—perfect for beginner cooks who want a reliable, delicious dish that’s hard to mess up.

This recipe is a spin on the well-loved Creamy Beef and Shells, replacing the beef with lean ground chicken to lighten the dish without sacrificing flavor. The blend of herbs, the richness of sour cream and heavy cream, and the bite-sized pasta all come together to make a dish that’s both nostalgic and refreshingly easy to master. If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly meal that feels gourmet without the hassle, this creamy chicken pasta might just become your go-to comfort food.

Ingredients and Preparation

Here’s everything you’ll need to prepare this dish. You’ll find both core ingredients and notes on potential substitutions:

Pasta and Protein:

• 8 ounces medium pasta shells (or any short pasta like penne or rotini)
• 1 pound ground chicken (can substitute with ground turkey or finely chopped cooked chicken)

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small sweet onion, finely diced
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Sauce Base:

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1 (15-ounce) can marinara sauce (choose a brand with no added sugar for a healthier option)
• 3/4 cup heavy cream (can use half-and-half or evaporated milk for a lighter version)
• 1/4 cup sour cream (Greek yogurt works well as a substitute)

Cheese (optional but recommended):

• 1/2 to 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese for extra creaminess

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Add pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
   • Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the Chicken:
   • In a large skillet or deep sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
   • Add the ground chicken and break it up with a spatula as it cooks.
   • Cook for about 5–6 minutes, or until fully cooked and lightly browned.
3. Add Aromatics:
   • Stir in the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until soft and translucent.
   • Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Season the Mixture:
   • Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, parsley, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
   • Mix well to evenly coat the chicken and onion mixture.
5. Thicken the Base:
   • Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir until fully absorbed (about 1 minute).
   • This helps thicken the sauce later.
6. Deglaze and Build the Sauce:
   • Slowly pour in the chicken stock, stirring constantly to deglaze the pan and remove any bits stuck to the bottom.
   • Add the marinara sauce and stir to combine.
   • Lower the heat to medium and simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
7. Add Cream and Sour Cream:
   • Stir in the heavy cream and sour cream until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
   • Let it simmer gently for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
   • Add the cooked pasta shells to the sauce.
   • Stir well to ensure every shell is coated.
9. Optional Cheese Add-In:
   • If desired, add shredded cheese and stir until melted and fully incorporated.
10. Final Taste and Adjust:
    • Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper as needed.
11. Serve Hot:
    • Spoon the creamy chicken and shells into bowls and serve warm.

Beginner Tips and Notes

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta:
  Cook the pasta just until al dente since it will continue to cook slightly in the sauce. Overcooked pasta becomes mushy quickly in creamy sauces.
• Use a Deep Skillet or Dutch Oven:
  A deep, wide pan helps when mixing pasta with the sauce, making it easier to combine evenly.
• Add Vegetables if You Like:
  Chopped spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini can be added after cooking the onions for more nutrition.
• Make it Ahead:
  This dish reheats well. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
• Adjust Creaminess:
  If you prefer a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or reduce the amount of sour cream.
• Want More Flavor Depth?
  A splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes can boost the flavor.
• No Marinara?
  Crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce with Italian herbs can be used as substitutes for marinara.

Serving Suggestions

Creamy Chicken and Shells is satisfying on its own, but here are a few side options to round out your meal:

1. Garlic Bread:
   Crunchy garlic toast pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce and adds a textural contrast.
2. Green Salad:
   A crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness of the dish.
3. Roasted Vegetables:
   Oven-roasted broccoli, carrots, or asparagus add nutrition and color to the plate.
4. Steamed Greens:
   Lightly steamed green beans or kale seasoned with lemon and olive oil make for a refreshing side.
5. Grilled Chicken Topping:
   For more protein or a texture variation, add thin slices of grilled chicken on top.
6. Crusty Bread:
   Perfect for soaking up the extra sauce, especially if you enjoy saucy pastas.

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Engagement Features

Are you someone who enjoys hearty pasta dishes that come together quickly? Do you like customizing your meals with extra veggies or different proteins? If so, this Creamy Chicken and Shells recipe is a great base to experiment with.

Let us know how you made it your own—did you use turkey instead? Add spinach? Swap in gluten-free pasta? We’d love to hear what you tried and how your family enjoyed it. Leave a comment or share your version of this dish with others looking for easy, delicious weeknight dinners.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Chicken and Shells is everything a home-cooked dinner should be—quick, comforting, satisfying, and full of flavor. Its rich tomato-cream sauce and bite-sized pasta shells offer the kind of warmth and joy that only a good pasta dish can. With a straightforward ingredient list, minimal prep, and a big payoff in taste, this recipe is perfect for beginner cooks or anyone craving a cozy bowl of pasta without the fuss.

This recipe proves that a comforting dinner doesn’t need to be complicated. It’s a dish you’ll come back to again and again—not just because it’s easy, but because it delivers every single time. Ready to get cooking? Grab your skillet, and let’s make something amazing tonight.

Would you like to explore other variations of this dish, like a spicy version or a veggie-packed one?