Are you craving a delicious, comforting meal that's also quick and easy to make? Look no further! This Shells and Chicken recipe is a fantastic option for busy weeknights. It's packed with flavor, satisfyingly cheesy, and requires minimal effort, making it a perfect addition to your collection of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas. This homemade cooking masterpiece is sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 8 ounces jumbo shells pasta
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
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Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo shells and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Sauté the chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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Sauté the aromatics: In the same skillet, add the onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Create the sauce: Add the cream of mushroom soup, milk, Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and thyme to the skillet. Stir until smooth and well combined. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to slightly thicken.
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Combine everything: Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet. Stir gently to coat everything in the creamy sauce.
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Add the cheddar cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy and bubbly.
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Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious and easy Shells and Chicken!
Tips and Variations:
- Add vegetables: Boost the nutritional value and flavor by adding your favorite vegetables like chopped broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms along with the onions.
- Spice it up: For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Use different cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses! Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or a blend of your favorites would work well.
- Make it creamy: For an extra creamy sauce, add a splash of heavy cream along with the milk.
- Meal prep friendly: This dish is perfect for meal prepping. Simply store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35g
This easy recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, or even a casual weekend meal. The combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta is simply irresistible. It's a testament to how delicious and satisfying homemade cooking can be, even when you're short on time. This recipe delivers a delicious and fulfilling meal that's both healthy and easy to prepare. Enjoy!