Irresistibly Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe

Culinary magic happens when classic chicken alfredo meets delightful stuffed shellsrn in this crowd-pleasing dish.

Creamy, cheesy goodness awaits you inside tender pasta shells.

Comfort food reaches new heights with this indulgent recipe.

Perfectly balanced flavors dance across your palate, creating a memorable dining experience.

Each shell bursts with rich, velvety chicken and alfredo sauce.

Cheese lovers will absolutely swoon over this incredible combination.

Prepare to impress everyone at the dinner table with this irresistible meal that promises pure deliciousness.

What Makes Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Special

• Packed with cheesy goodness and tender chicken, this dish pleases both kids and adults, making mealtime a delightful shared moment.
• Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or special gatherings, these stuffed shells adapt easily to different occasions and preferences.
• Despite looking impressive, the recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques, ensuring delicious results with minimal kitchen stress.

Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Ingredient Breakdown

Main Ingredients:

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: Large pasta perfect for stuffing, great for holding creamy filling and sauce securely.

• Shredded Chicken: Tender protein that adds heartiness to the dish, works best with rotisserie or leftover chicken.

• Ricotta Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy cheeses that provide rich flavor and smooth texture, blend well together for classic Italian taste.

Supporting Ingredients:

• Butter: Provides rich base for Alfredo sauce, adds depth of flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Creates smooth and luxurious sauce consistency.
• Minced Garlic: Adds aromatic flavor to sauce, enhances overall taste profile.

• Italian Seasoning: Blend of dried herbs that adds traditional Italian flavor.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Provides additional depth of seasoning.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall dish flavor.

• Egg: Helps bind filling ingredients together, adds structural integrity.
• Nutmeg: Optional spice that complements creamy sauce with subtle warmth.

• Fresh Parsley, Fresh Basil: Optional herbs that add color and fresh finish to dish.

How to Make Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells at Home

Step 1: Boil Pasta Shells

Cook jumbo pasta shells in salted water until soft but firm. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Let shells cool completely.

Step 2: Create Savory Chicken Filling

• Shredded chicken
• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Egg
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix ingredients until well blended.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Alfredo Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Pour heavy cream and simmer gently. Stir in Parmesan cheese until sauce becomes smooth. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Build Your Delicious Casserole

Preheat oven to 350F. Spread thin layer of Alfredo sauce in baking dish. Stuff each pasta shell with chicken mixture. Arrange shells in dish. Pour remaining sauce over shells. Sprinkle extra mozzarella cheese on top.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover dish with foil. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake additional 10 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Let casserole rest briefly. Sprinkle fresh parsley or basil on top. Serve hot and enjoy!

Smart Tips for Better Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

• Customize Pasta Texture: Cook shells just until al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking, ensuring a perfect bite every time.
• Boost Flavor Intensity: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a subtle kick that complements the creamy Alfredo sauce without overwhelming the dish.
• Prep Ahead Strategically: Make the filling and sauce in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator to save time when assembling the stuffed shells.
• Substitute with Confidence: Replace chicken with cooked ground turkey or sautéed vegetables for a lighter or vegetarian version that maintains the recipe's creamy essence.
• Control Sauce Consistency: If the Alfredo sauce seems too thick, gradually whisk in a little chicken broth or pasta water to achieve the perfect creamy texture.

Keeping Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Fresh and Tasty

• Store leftover Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual portions or entire dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label container with date.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place shells in baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, adding splash of cream if sauce looks dry.
• Place single serving on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Stop when shells reach 165°F internal temperature to ensure food safety.

Tasty Matches for Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

• Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, shaved Parmesan, and toasted pine nuts to cut through the richness of the cheesy shells.
• Select a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the creamy Alfredo sauce, balancing the dish's decadent flavors with refreshing acidity.
• Prepare garlic-roasted asparagus or tender roasted broccoli, which adds a vibrant green element and provides a nutritious counterpoint to the indulgent pasta.
• Serve warm, herb-infused garlic bread to soak up the extra Alfredo sauce, creating a delightful texture and maximizing every delicious bite.

Ways to Remix Your Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

• Vegetarian Shell Swap: Replace chicken with sautéed spinach, ricotta, and roasted mushrooms for a hearty plant-based version that maintains creamy texture and rich flavors.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free jumbo pasta shells or replace shells with zucchini boats, ensuring those with wheat sensitivities can enjoy the same delicious meal.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta shells with roasted bell pepper halves or cauliflower florets, creating a lighter dish that keeps the classic Alfredo essence.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap dairy cheeses with cashew ricotta, nutritional yeast, and coconut cream-based sauce, providing a creamy alternative for lactose-intolerant individuals.

Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shellsrn Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Indulgent chicken alfredo stuffed shells bring Italian comfort to your dinner table, blending creamy sauce with tender pasta pockets. Rich, cheesy goodness awaits you in this classic crowd-pleasing meal that promises satisfaction with every delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced

Cheese Ingredients:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasoning and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• 20 jumbo pasta shells
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the pasta vessels by immersing them in heavily salted boiling water, cooking until they reach a tender yet firm consistency. Carefully drain and rinse with cool water to halt the cooking process, then arrange the shells on a clean kitchen towel.
2. Craft a luxurious filling by thoroughly blending shredded chicken with creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, aged Parmesan, and a beaten egg. Enhance the mixture with aromatic Italian herbs, garlic and onion powders, and a delicate balance of salt and pepper.
3. Create a velvety Alfredo sauce by gently melting butter in a saucepan and sautéing minced garlic until its fragrance fills the kitchen. Slowly introduce heavy cream, allowing it to simmer softly before whisking in freshly grated Parmesan until the sauce transforms into a smooth, rich consistency.
4. Warm the oven to a moderate 350F. Spread a thin layer of Alfredo sauce across the bottom of a baking dish, creating a creamy foundation. Meticulously fill each pasta shell with the prepared chicken and cheese mixture, nestling them closely together in the dish.
5. Lavish the stuffed shells with the remaining Alfredo sauce, ensuring each shell receives a generous coating. Scatter an additional layer of mozzarella across the top, creating a golden, bubbling cheese crown.
6. Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the filling to heat thoroughly. Uncover and continue baking until the cheese reaches a perfect golden-brown state with enticing bubbling edges.
7. Allow the dish to rest briefly after removing from the oven. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, presenting a visually stunning and aromatic culinary creation ready to be savored.

Notes

• Choose jumbo shells carefully to ensure they’re large enough for generous filling without tearing during cooking.
• Pre-cook chicken thoroughly to prevent any foodborne illness and enhance overall flavor intensity.
• Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing and more consistent filling texture.
• Experiment with alternative cheese combinations like fontina or provolone for unique flavor profiles.
• For gluten-free version, substitute pasta shells with zucchini boats or large portobello mushroom caps.
• Reduce sauce calories by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream without compromising rich taste.
• Prepare filling ahead of time and refrigerate for convenient weeknight meal preparation.
• Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for subtle heat and depth of flavor enhancement.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 36g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 43g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 150mg