🍗 Butter Chicken Stuffed Shells 🐚 (Ready in 45 Minutes!) | A Creamy, Spiced Fusion Feast!
Thank you for reading this post, don’t forget to subscribe!Craving the rich, aromatic flavors of butter chicken in a fun, cheesy format? These Butter Chicken Stuffed Shells are here to impress! Jumbo pasta shells are filled with creamy butter chicken, baked in a spiced tomato sauce, and topped with melty cheese. Perfect for dinner parties, meal prep, or cozy family nights, this dish is easy, indulgent, and utterly delicious. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe 💛
✅ Fusion magic – Italian pasta meets Indian butter chicken! 🌍
✅ Crowd-pleaser – rich, creamy, and packed with flavor! 👨👩👧👦
✅ Meal-prep superstar – assemble ahead and bake later! 🍱
✅ Kid-friendly – mild spices and cheesy goodness! 🧀
✅ Gluten-free adaptable – use gluten-free pasta and flour!
Ingredients 🛒:
For the Irresistible Butter Chicken Filling:
(Serves 6)
For the Filling
- 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs, cooked and shredded
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
- 1 tbsp garam masala
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp chili powder (optional for heat)
- ½ tsp salt + ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Shells & Sauce
- 20 jumbo pasta shells (or gluten-free shells)
- 2 tbsp butter (or ghee)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella (or dairy-free cheese)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions 📝
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta Shells
- Boil shells in salted water until al dente (10-12 mins). Drain and rinse with cold water.
2️⃣ Make the Butter Chicken Filling
- In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, Greek yogurt, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
3️⃣ Prepare the Sauce
- Melt butter in a skillet. Sauté onion and garlic for 3-4 mins.
- Add crushed tomatoes and simmer for 5 mins. Stir in heavy cream.
4️⃣ Assemble the Shells
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Stuff each shell with butter chicken filling and arrange in a baking dish.
- Pour the tomato-cream sauce over the shells. Top with shredded mozzarella.
5️⃣ Bake & Serve!
- Bake for 20-25 mins until bubbly and golden. Garnish with cilantro and serve hot!
Nutrition Facts 🥗
(Per serving)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
Cook’s Notes 🌟
🔹 Vegetarian twist: Swap chicken for mashed chickpeas or paneer.
🔹 Extra creamy: Mix cream cheese into the filling!
🔹 Freeze ahead: Assemble unbaked shells and freeze for up to 1 month.
🔹 Shepherd’s Pie hack: Use leftover butter chicken as a base layer under mashed potatoes for a fusion Butter Chicken Shepherd’s Pie! 🥔
Serving Ideas 🍽️
- Classic Pairing: Garlic naan + cucumber raita 🥒
- Low-carb side: Roasted cauliflower or spinach salad 🥗
- Wine pairing: Crisp Riesling or buttery Chardonnay 🍷
- Party spread: Serve with samosas and mango lassi 🥭
Why This Recipe Works
The creamy, spiced butter chicken filling contrasts perfectly with the tender pasta shells and rich tomato sauce, creating a dish that’s both comforting and exotic. It’s a creative way to repurpose leftovers or elevate weeknight dinners into something special!
#ButterChickenShells on Instagram! 📸
Butter Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe, Indian-Italian Fusion Food, Meal Prep Pasta, Gluten-Free Dinner Ideas, Comfort Food Recipes, Dairy-Free Butter Chicken
Love this? Try these next!
👉 Butter Chicken Shepherd’s Pie 🥔
👉 [Chicken Tikka Lasagna] 🧀
👉 [Instant Pot Butter Chicken Nachos] 🧀
Tried this recipe? Share your cheesy creations! 📸 Tag #ButterChickenShells and let’s spice up your feed. Don’t forget to save this recipe and follow for more fusion food magic! 🍴🔥
