You’ll Need
Jumbo Pasta Shells: These create the perfect vessels for holding all that delicious chicken and cheese filling.
Chicken Tenders: Diced into bite-sized pieces, they cook quickly and stay tender inside the shells.
Cheese Blend: A combination of monterey jack, cheddar, and mozzarella creates the perfect melty, gooey texture while adding layers of flavor.
Spice Blend: Paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper create a flavor-packed coating for the chicken.
Butter: The foundation of any good scampi sauce, providing richness and helping to carry all those delicious flavors.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is non-negotiable here – it’s the heart and soul of scampi sauce.
White Wine: Use something you’d actually drink! The wine adds acidity and complexity to the sauce.
Chicken Stock: Adds depth to the sauce without making it too heavy.
Heavy Cream: Creates that luxurious, silky texture that clings perfectly to the pasta.
Lemon: Both zest and juice brighten the entire dish and cut through the richness.
Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh flavor that brings everything together.
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.
Variations
Seafood Twist
Replace the chicken with shrimp or a combination of seafood for a more traditional scampi approach.
Veggie Boost
Mix in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or artichoke hearts to the chicken filling for extra nutrients and flavor.
Cheese Variations
Try different cheese combinations – fontina, gruyere, or even a touch of goat cheese can add interesting flavor dimensions.
Gluten-Free Option
Use gluten-free jumbo shells and ensure your chicken stock and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.