Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a large pot of water, boil pasta shells until al dente; according to package directions. Drain the water, then rinse noodles in cold water. Set aside.

In a medium bowl, combine chicken, ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella cheese and basil pesto. Stir mixture until combined.

In a 9×13 baking dish, spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce in the bottom. Take one pasta shell and stuff it with 2 Tablespoons of chicken/cheese mixture. Place shell in prepared dish, and then repeat process with remaining shells and chicken/cheese mixture. There should be enough filling to fill at least 24 shells.

Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, then sprinkle the remaining cup of mozzarella cheese over the top. Bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from oven and sprinkle with chopped, fresh basil (optional). Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Enjoy! ♥