Creamy Ranch Pasta Shells

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Creamy Ranch Pasta Shells, a delightful dish perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines jumbo pasta shells filled with a rich, creamy ranch sauce that brings familiarity and satisfaction to your meal. Easy to prepare and customizable, you can add veggies, proteins, or tweak ingredients to cater to your dietary preferences. Whether for busy weeknights or gatherings, this dish will impress with its deliciousness and creamy texture.

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Ingredients

12 oz jumbo pasta shells

1 cup ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)

1 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup diced cooked chicken (optional for added protein)

1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped (or use frozen spinach, thawed and well-drained)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing, if using fresh spinach)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook according to the package instructions until they are al dente (firm yet tender). Once cooked, drain and rinse the shells under cold running water to halt the cooking process. Set them aside in a colander to cool.

Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese and ranch dressing until smooth and homogenous. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt, stirring until all ingredients are fully incorporated.

Add Remaining Ingredients: Gently fold in the diced cooked chicken (if using), chopped fresh spinach, shredded mozzarella, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese into the creamy ranch mixture. Stir carefully until all components are evenly coated without breaking the delicate pasta.

Stuff the Shells: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a tablespoon and carefully stuff each cooled pasta shell with the creamy ranch filling. Place the filled shells seam side up in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, arranging them snugly but without overcrowding.

Create the Sauce: To add an extra layer of flavor, drizzle any remaining ranch filling or a light coating of ranch dressing over the top of the stuffed shells. Finish by sprinkling the remaining Parmesan cheese evenly across the shells.

Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes or until the tops are golden and the filling is bubbly.

Garnish and Serve: Once baked, carefully take the dish out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant touch.

Enjoy: Serve these Creamy Ranch Pasta Shells warm to your family or guests, and delight in the creamy, savory flavors that will surely be a hit at the table!

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

- Presentation Tips: For an elegant touch, serve the pasta shells on individual plates and drizzle with a little extra ranch dressing before garnishing with parsley. This adds a lovely visual element and enhances the flavors!