Name: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Stuffed Shells Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 (12-ounce) box jumbo shell pasta about 24 shells; 1 ½ cups cooked, chopped chicken (rotisserie chicken recommended); 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese; 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup grated parmesan cheese; ⅓ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, drained; ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 teaspoons minced garlic; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 1 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, drained; 1 teaspoon paprika; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; Salt to taste; Ground black pepper to taste; Fresh basil for optional garnish

If you’re craving a cozy, comforting meal that’s bursting with flavor, you’ve got to try this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Stuffed Shells Recipe. It’s everything you want in an Italian-American pasta bake—cheesy, creamy, and loaded with tender chicken and sun-dried tomatoes that take it next-level delicious.

The image shows a white oval dish filled with creamy stuffed pasta shells covered in an orange-colored sauce mixed with herbs and small bits of red sun-dried tomatoes. The pasta shells are large, ribbed, and filled with a white cheese mixture. The sauce is smooth with a slightly thick texture and is spread evenly around and on top of the pasta shells. Green fresh herbs are sprinkled throughout the dish, adding small pops of color. A silver spoon with a floral pattern handle is partially submerged in the sauce on the right side. The dish is set on a white marbled surface with part of a fringed cloth visible at the edge. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Stuffed Shells Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Stuffed Shells Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Stuffed Shells Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly can’t get enough of these creamy, chicken-stuffed shells baked in that luscious Marry Me sauce. It’s a real crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for weeknight dinners or even entertaining.

Rich and creamy: The blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan creates a decadent filling that melts in your mouth.
Flavor-packed: Sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy, intense burst of flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory chicken.
Easy prep: Using rotisserie chicken cuts down the work but keeps the dish hearty and satisfying.
Make-ahead friendly: You can assemble it in advance, making dinner stress-free and even better the next day.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Let’s talk about the ingredients that make this dish so special. When shopping, look for quality cheeses and good sun-dried tomatoes—you’ll taste the difference. Also, grab jumbo pasta shells that are sturdy enough to hold all that cheesy, saucy goodness.

Flat lay of a small pile of uncooked jumbo pasta shells, a small white bowl of whole-milk ricotta cheese, a small white bowl of shredded mozzarella, a small white bowl of grated parmesan cheese, a small white bowl of chopped sun-dried tomatoes, a small white bowl of Italian seasoning herbs, three whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white bowl of unsalted butter cubes, a small white bowl of minced garlic cloves, a small white bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of chicken broth, a small white bowl of heavy whipping cream, a small white bowl of paprika powder, a small cluster of fresh green basil leaves, and a small pile of cooked chopped chicken breast, all arranged symmetrically and naturally on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Jumbo shell pasta: Holds all the filling beautifully and gives that perfect bite.
Cooked, chopped chicken: I love using rotisserie chicken for flavor and effortless prep.
Whole-milk ricotta cheese: Adds creaminess and richness to the filling.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly for that gooey texture.
Grated parmesan cheese: Brings a sharp, nutty flavor both inside the filling and in the sauce.
Chopped sun-dried tomatoes: Adds that intense, tangy pop that brightens the whole dish.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that ties the flavors together flawlessly.
Salt and ground black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance all the flavors.
Unsalted butter: The base of the sauce for a silky texture.
Minced garlic: Adds fragrant warmth to the sauce.
All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency.
Chicken broth: Gives the sauce savory depth and heartiness.
Heavy whipping cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and rich.
Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth and beautiful color to the sauce.
Fresh basil (optional): A fresh herb garnish that brightens and freshens every bite.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The beautiful thing about this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Stuffed Shells Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to lighten it up, add some extra veggies, or swap proteins, you can make it truly your own while keeping all that cozy, indulgent flavor.

Vegetarian Version: I swapped the chicken for sautéed mushrooms and fresh spinach once, and it was just as comforting. The umami from mushrooms complements the sun-dried tomatoes so well.
Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce gave it a lovely heat that warmed up the whole dish. A little goes a long way!
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free jumbo shells and substitute the all-purpose flour in the sauce with a gluten-free blend to keep it safe and delicious.
Herb Swap: Fresh thyme or oregano instead of Italian seasoning can bring a fresh twist, especially during spring and summer months.
Make it Vegan-ish: While this recipe is rich in cheeses and cream, you can try vegan ricotta and mozzarella alternatives along with plant-based milk and butter substitutes to keep the creamy texture.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Stuffed Shells Recipe

A white scalloped plate holds three large pasta shells filled with creamy cheese inside. The shells are covered in a thick orange sauce with specks of herbs and small bits of red, giving it a rich texture. Green basil leaves are scattered on top and around the pasta. A gold fork rests on the right side of the plate touching the shells. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a white cloth that has thin orange stripes in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish

First things first—preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This sets the perfect temperature for baking the shells to golden, bubbly perfection. While the oven warms up, grab a 3-quart or 9x13-inch baking dish and give it a good spray with nonstick cooking spray. This will make cleanup a breeze and prevent any sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Jumbo Shell Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil—salting your water is key to flavoring the pasta from the inside out. Cook the jumbo shell pasta according to the package instructions for al dente (usually around 10-12 minutes), but I like to undercook mine by a minute or two to keep the shells from getting mushy once baked. Once cooked, drain the shells and rinse them gently with cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss them lightly with a teaspoon or two of olive oil to keep them from sticking together while you prep the filling.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Filling

In a large bowl, combine 1 ½ cups cooked, chopped chicken (rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut here), 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese, 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella, ½ cup grated parmesan, and ⅓ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Add ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper to season everything beautifully. Mix it all until it comes together into a creamy, cheesy filling that tastes as good as it looks.

Step 4: Whip Up the Rich Marry Me Sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once melted, add 2 teaspoons minced garlic and sauté for about 30 to 60 seconds until it smells absolutely heavenly—just be careful not to burn it. Sprinkle in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and stir to form a thick paste, cooking it for 1-2 minutes to get rid of that raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in 2 cups chicken broth, 1 cup heavy whipping cream, and 1 cup grated parmesan cheese. It will look a bit thick at first, but keep whisking until smooth.

Then, stir in 1 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, 1 teaspoon paprika, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Continue whisking for a few more minutes, letting the sauce thicken to a luscious, creamy consistency.

Step 5: Assemble With Love

Pour about three-quarters of that gorgeous sauce into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a flavorful base. Grab each jumbo shell and stuff it with roughly 2 tablespoons of the filling, then place the stuffed shells in a single, even layer over the sauce. Once all the shells are nestled in, spoon the remaining sauce evenly over the top—don’t be shy; this sauce is the star!

Step 6: Bake to Perfection and Rest

Bake the dish uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, until you see the sauce bubbling joyfully and the shells starting to develop a lovely golden brown edge. When you take it out, let it rest for 5 minutes—this little downtime lets the flavors settle and makes serving so much easier. If you like, garnish with fresh basil for an extra touch of bright, fresh flavor before you dig in.

Top Tip

These tips will help you nail this creamy, cheesy, and utterly comforting Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Stuffed Shells Recipe with ease and consistency every time.

Perfect Pasta Texture: I always slightly undercook the jumbo shells by a couple of minutes before baking. It ensures they don’t become too soft once baked in the sauce, keeping each shell perfectly tender but intact.
Use Rotisserie Chicken: Using shredded rotisserie chicken not only saves time but adds juicy, flavorful meat to the filling without extra effort—this shortcut made my dinners so much easier!
Prevent Sticking: Toss your cooked shells lightly in olive oil after rinsing with cold water. This simple step saves you from shell breakage and sticking when stuffing, making the assembly smoother.
Thickening the Sauce: When making the Marry Me sauce, be patient as you whisk in the liquids; it starts thick and rich. Stirring continuously until thickened makes all the difference in that velvety texture we love.

How to Serve Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Stuffed Shells Recipe

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with seven distinct layers of ingredients arranged side by side. At the top right, there is a bright red pile of chopped sun-dried tomatoes with a slightly wrinkled texture. Next to it, on the right middle, is a large scoop of smooth, white ricotta cheese. Below that is a small pile of shredded white cooked chicken pieces. To the left of the chicken, there is a mound of dry green dried herbs and a small pinch of white salt on top. Above these herbs sits a small pile of finely shredded pale yellow Parmesan cheese. Next to the Parmesan, at the top left, is shredded white mozzarella cheese with a soft texture. All these layers are clearly separated and neatly placed in the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate the look and flavor, sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley on top right after the dish’s 5-minute resting time. A light drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil or a few cracks of fresh black pepper also complements the rich sauce beautifully.

Side Dishes

This dish is delightfully hearty on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette adds brightness. Garlic bread or a warm focaccia bread makes a fantastic side to soak up every last bit of the creamy sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This keeps the creamy filling fresh and flavors vibrant for easy meals throughout the week.

Freezing

For longer storage, assemble the entire dish completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and a layer of foil before freezing. It freezes beautifully and keeps well until you’re ready to bake it fresh from the freezer.

Reheating

To reheat, microwave leftovers in 30-second increments until warm, or reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 20–25 minutes. If baking from frozen or chilled straight from the fridge, add 10–15 minutes to the bake time to ensure it’s heated through and bubbly.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Stuffed Shells Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken and consider adding more cheese or some sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms in the filling to keep it hearty and flavorful.

What’s the best way to prevent the shells from sticking together after cooking?

After draining, rinse the shells with cold water to stop cooking, then toss them lightly with 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil. This will create a natural barrier and keep them separate for easy stuffing.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dish through assembly and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 10–15 minutes to the baking time since it will be chilled when it goes into the oven.

How do I know when the dish is done baking?

Bake uncovered at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling vigorously and the shells start to brown around the edges. This means the cheese is melted and the dish is heated through perfectly.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about coming home to a warm dish of Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Stuffed Shells—it’s like a big, comforting hug on a plate. Whether you’re feeding family, impressing guests, or enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe brings rich flavors and creamy indulgence that never disappoints. I hope you find as much joy in making and sharing this recipe as I do. Happy baking!