Irresistibly Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe

Creamy chicken alfredo has transformed my favorite jumbo shells into a mouthwatering pasta dream.

Melted cheese and tender chicken create an irresistible combination that makes dinner feel special.

Comfort meets elegance in this simple yet sophisticated dish perfect for weeknight meals.

Rich sauce coats each shell, promising a delightful experience with every forkful.

These stuffed shells bring restaurant-quality flavor directly to your kitchen without complicated techniques.

Cheesy, savory, and incredibly satisfying, this recipe will become your new go-to meal that everyone requests.

You’ll fall in love with how quickly these come together for a memorable dinner.

Why Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Make Dinner Special

• Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal: Whip up this delicious chicken Alfredo stuffed shells recipe in under an hour, perfect for busy families looking for a satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Combines the creamy richness of Alfredo sauce with tender chicken and cheesy pasta shells, making it an instant hit for both kids and adults at family gatherings or potlucks.
• Versatile Cooking Technique: Easily customizable by swapping chicken with other proteins like shrimp or using different cheese blends, allowing home cooks to experiment and make the recipe their own.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the stuffed shells in advance and refrigerate or freeze, then bake when ready to serve, making it an excellent option for meal prep and planned dinners.

Ingredients Needed For Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

• Jumbo Shells: Large pasta shells perfect for stuffing, choose high-quality pasta for best texture.

• Chicken: Shredded protein that adds heartiness to the dish, use rotisserie or freshly cooked chicken for convenience.

• Ricotta Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy and flavorful cheese mixture that creates rich filling, select full-fat versions for best melting and taste.

• Butter, Heavy Cream: Creates smooth and luxurious Alfredo sauce base, use unsalted butter for better flavor control.

• Egg: Helps bind the filling together, ensures cohesive texture.
• Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance overall flavor profile, use fresh herbs if available.

• Water: Used for cooking pasta, ensure water is properly salted.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds color and fresh herb flavor, chopped just before serving.

Step-By-Step Instructions For Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

Step 1: Boil the Pasta Shells

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Carefully drop in the jumbo pasta shells and cook until they reach that perfect tender-but-firm texture. Once done, drain the shells and give them a quick rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.

Step 2: Create the Savory Filling

• Tender shredded chicken
• Creamy ricotta cheese
• Melty mozzarella
• Sharp Parmesan
• Fresh egg
• Garlic powder
• Italian herb blend
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Mix everything together until the ingredients become best friends and create a mouthwatering mixture.

Step 3: Whip Up the Dreamy Alfredo Sauce

• Parmesan cheese
• Black pepper
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning

Whisk until the sauce becomes smooth and velvety, promising pure comfort in every spoonful.

Step 4: Assemble the Masterpiece

Crank up the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Grab a baking dish and spread a layer of that heavenly Alfredo sauce across the bottom. Take each pasta shell and lovingly stuff it with the chicken mixture. Nestle these filled shells into the sauce. Pour the remaining Alfredo sauce over the top, creating a blanket of creamy goodness. Sprinkle some extra cheese on top if you’re feeling extra indulgent.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and slide it into the oven. Let it bake for 20 minutes, allowing all those flavors to mingle and get to know each other. Remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly. Pull it out of the oven and sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement!

Pro Tip: This dish is best enjoyed with good company and a crisp green salad on the side.

Helpful Tips For Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

• Perfectly Cook Pasta: Ensure shells are al dente by testing texture and immediately rinsing with cold water to stop cooking process, preventing mushy shells.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Add a pinch of nutmeg to Alfredo sauce for a subtle, rich undertone that elevates the overall taste profile of the dish.
• Customize Protein Options: Swap chicken with cooked shrimp, ground turkey, or roasted vegetables for a versatile and diet-friendly alternative.
• Prevent Dry Filling: Mix in a tablespoon of cream cheese to the chicken mixture for extra moisture and creamy texture that keeps stuffed shells succulent.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dish up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, allowing flavors to meld and making meal prep easier.

How To Store Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

• Refrigerate leftover stuffed shells in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or warm the entire dish in a preheated oven at 350F (175C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Avoid freezing as the pasta shells may become soggy and lose their texture.
• For best results, consume within the recommended refrigeration timeframe to maintain optimal flavor and quality.

Perfect Sides With Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or pinot grigio to complement the creamy Alfredo sauce, cutting through its richness with bright, refreshing notes that enhance the chicken's delicate flavor.
• Match with Fresh Garden Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, cherry tomatoes, and shaved Parmesan to balance the heavy, cheesy pasta dish and provide a zesty contrast.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: Prepare warm, crusty garlic bread brushed with olive oil and herbs to soak up extra Alfredo sauce, adding a crunchy texture and complementary garlic undertones.
• Choose Sparkling Water with Lemon: Offer a citrusy sparkling water to cleanse the palate between bites, helping to refresh the taste buds and lighten the meal's rich, creamy profile.

Tasty Twists On Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

• Seafood Sensation: Replace chicken with tender shrimp or crab meat for a luxurious ocean-inspired version that brings coastal flavors to your pasta dish.
• Vegetarian Veggie Burst: Swap chicken with roasted vegetables like spinach, zucchini, and bell peppers, creating a colorful and nutritious alternative that packs incredible flavor.
• Spicy Southwest Kick: Add diced green chilies, jalapeños, and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the filling, transforming the classic recipe into a zesty southwestern-style meal with bold, exciting notes.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and fresh basil into the filling, elevating the dish with bright Mediterranean ingredients that dance on your palate.

Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells FAQs Answered

• How can I make this recipe more budget-friendly?

Use rotisserie chicken from the grocery store to save time and money. You can also substitute some of the cheeses with more affordable alternatives like cheddar or use less expensive cream cheese instead of ricotta.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can assemble the stuffed shells ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking. They also freeze well for up to a month, making them perfect for preparing in advance.

• Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, simply replace the regular pasta shells with gluten-free jumbo shells available in many specialty grocery stores. Double-check that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to ensure the entire dish is safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

• What if I don't have Italian seasoning?

No worries! Create your own blend by mixing dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary in equal proportions. This homemade mix will work perfectly in the recipe and give you a similar flavor profile.

Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy chicken alfredo stuffed shells bring Italian comfort to your dinner table with luxurious pasta pockets filled with tender chicken and rich cheese. Pasta lovers will savor each delightful bite of this comforting classic that satisfies hunger and warms hearts.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) jumbo pasta shells (about 24 shells)
• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Garnish and Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

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Instructions

1. Carefully boil water in a generously salted pot, then submerge jumbo pasta shells. Cook until they reach perfect tenderness, ensuring they maintain structural integrity. Gently drain and cool with cold water to halt cooking process.
2. Create a sumptuous filling by blending shredded chicken with creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, aged Parmesan, whisked egg, and aromatic seasonings. Mix thoroughly until ingredients harmonize into a uniform mixture.
3. Craft a velvety Alfredo sauce by gently melting butter and sautéing minced garlic until fragrant. Slowly introduce heavy cream, whisking continuously. Incorporate Parmesan and seasonings, stirring until the sauce transforms into a silky, luxurious consistency.
4. Prepare the baking vessel by preheating the oven and spreading a thin layer of Alfredo sauce across the bottom. Meticulously fill each shell with the chicken mixture, arranging them carefully in the dish. Lavishly drench the shells with remaining sauce, optionally crowning with an additional layer of cheese.
5. Encase the dish with aluminum foil and bake until heated through. Remove the foil for the final moments of cooking, allowing the cheese to develop a golden, slightly crisp surface. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Make sure pasta shells are al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking, which helps maintain the perfect texture and structure.
• Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken for a quick and convenient protein option that adds extra flavor to the filling.
• Opt for whole milk ricotta for a creamier, richer filling that binds the ingredients together more effectively.
• Customize the dish by adding spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the chicken mixture for extra nutrition and depth of flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 575
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg