If you love creamy pasta dishes with plenty of garlic, tender chicken, and melted cheese, these Southern Garlic Parmesan Chicken Shells are the kind of comfort food that disappears quickly at the dinner table.
Tender pasta shells are tossed with juicy seasoned chicken and coated in a rich garlic Parmesan cream sauce. The shells are perfect for holding onto every bit of the creamy sauce, while mozzarella adds a wonderfully cheesy finish.
This is an easy weeknight dinner, but it is also hearty enough for Sunday supper or a casual family gathering.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Pasta
- 12 ounces medium or large pasta shells
- 1 tablespoon salt, for the pasta water
For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
How to Make Southern Garlic Parmesan Chicken Shells
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the pasta shells and cook according to the package directions until al dente.
Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water.
Drain the shells and set them aside.
2. Season the Chicken
Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and season with garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Toss well so every piece is coated.
3. Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer.
Cook for approximately 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on the outside and cooked through.
Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
4. Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Sprinkle the flour over the butter and garlic.
Whisk continuously for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking.
Add the heavy cream and continue stirring until the sauce begins to thicken.
5. Add the Cheese
Reduce the heat to low.
Add the Parmesan cheese gradually, stirring until melted and smooth.
Stir in the mozzarella, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Taste and adjust the salt as needed.
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a small splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches a smooth, creamy consistency.
6. Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
Add the drained pasta shells and gently toss everything together until the shells are completely coated with the garlic Parmesan sauce.
Cook for another 1–2 minutes over low heat to allow the flavors to come together.
7. Garnish and Serve
Remove from the heat and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley.
For an extra cheesy finish, add a little more Parmesan and mozzarella on top.
Serve immediately while the sauce is creamy and the cheese is melted.
Tips for the Best Garlic Parmesan Chicken Shells
Use Fresh Parmesan
Freshly grated Parmesan generally melts more smoothly into a cream sauce than pre-shredded varieties.
Don’t Boil the Cheese Sauce
Once the cheese has been added, keep the heat low. High heat can cause a cream-and-cheese sauce to become grainy or separate.
Save Pasta Water
The starchy pasta water is useful for loosening the sauce while helping it cling to the shells.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken
Cut the chicken into similarly sized pieces so everything cooks evenly. Cook until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Let the Sauce Coat the Shells
The shape of the pasta is one of the highlights of this dish. Toss gently but thoroughly so the creamy sauce gets inside and around the shells.
Easy Variations
Spinach Garlic Parmesan Chicken Shells
Stir in a couple of handfuls of fresh spinach during the final few minutes of cooking. Let it wilt into the sauce.
Cajun Chicken Shells
Add Cajun seasoning to the chicken for a spicy Southern-inspired version.
Broccoli Chicken Shells
Add steamed broccoli during the final step for extra vegetables and color.
Bacon Parmesan Chicken Shells
Crisp some chopped bacon and stir it into the finished pasta for a smoky, savory addition.
Mushroom Chicken Shells
Sauté sliced mushrooms after cooking the chicken, then continue with the sauce.
Extra-Spicy Version
Add additional red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the Parmesan cream sauce.
What to Serve with Chicken Shells
Because this pasta is rich and creamy, lighter sides pair especially well with it.
Try serving it with:
- Green salad
- Steamed broccoli
- Roasted asparagus
- Green beans
- Garlic bread
- Roasted vegetables
- Simple tomato salad
A crisp green salad with a light dressing is an especially nice contrast to the creamy pasta.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
The sauce will thicken as it cools.
When reheating, place the pasta in a skillet over low heat and add a splash of milk, cream, chicken broth, or water. Stir gently until heated through and creamy again.
Avoid overheating, as this can cause the cheese sauce to separate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely. Shredded or chopped rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut. Add it when you combine the pasta with the sauce and heat until warmed through.
Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes. The sauce will be somewhat lighter and may not be quite as thick, but it can still work well.
What pasta shells should I use?
Medium shells work beautifully, but larger shells can also be used. The important thing is to cook them until just tender so they hold their shape.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, but the best texture comes from combining the sauce with freshly cooked pasta shortly before serving.
Can I freeze this pasta?
Cream-based pasta dishes can be frozen, although the sauce may change texture slightly after thawing. If freezing, cool it completely, store it in an airtight freezer-safe container, and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Final Thoughts
Southern Garlic Parmesan Chicken Shells combine everything you want in a cozy pasta dinner: tender chicken, perfectly cooked shells, plenty of garlic, creamy Parmesan sauce, and gooey mozzarella.
It’s simple enough for a busy weeknight but comforting enough to feel like a special homemade meal. Add spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, or bacon to make the recipe your own, and don’t forget a little extra Parmesan before serving.
SEO Details
SEO Title: Southern Garlic Parmesan Chicken Shells – Creamy & Cheesy
Meta Description: Make creamy Southern Garlic Parmesan Chicken Shells with tender chicken, garlic, Parmesan, mozzarella, and a rich homemade cream sauce.
Focus Keyword: Southern Garlic Parmesan Chicken Shells
Slug: southern-garlic-parmesan-chicken-shells
Category: Dinner, Pasta Recipes, Chicken Recipes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6