Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells – Creamy, Cheesy, and Baked to Golden Perfection! 🍗🧀🔥
This Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells recipe combines the rich, creamy goodness of Alfredo sauce with tender pasta shells, savory chicken, and a trifecta of cheeses. Baked until golden brown and bubbly, these stuffed shells are the ultimate comfort food—perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
The combination of fluffy jumbo pasta shells, gooey melted cheese, and flavorful shredded chicken in a luscious Alfredo sauce creates layers of indulgence that will leave everyone asking for seconds. It’s easy to prepare, yet every bite feels like restaurant-quality decadence.
Ingredients:
- 20 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works perfectly here!)
- 1 ½ cups ricotta or cottage cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper , to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Shells
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) .
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta or cottage cheese , shredded chicken , Alfredo sauce , garlic powder , salt , and pepper . Mix well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
- Stir in ¼ cup of the shredded mozzarella and ¼ cup of the grated Parmesan into the filling mixture. Reserve the remaining cheese for topping.
Step 3: Assemble the Shells
- Spread about ½ cup of Alfredo sauce evenly across the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. This prevents the shells from sticking and adds extra flavor.
- Stuff each cooked pasta shell generously with the chicken-ricotta mixture. Arrange the stuffed shells in the prepared baking dish, seam-side down.
- Pour the remaining Alfredo sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are partially covered.
Step 4: Top and Bake
- Sprinkle the reserved shredded mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top of the stuffed shells.
- Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes at 375°F (190°C) .
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10–15 minutes , or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
Step 5: Serve Warm
- Let the stuffed shells rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil if desired.
- Serve alongside a crisp salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Tips for Success:
- Use High-Quality Cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella melts better than pre-shredded varieties, so opt for blocks when possible.
- Make Ahead Option: Prepare the stuffed shells up to a day in advance, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Add 10–15 minutes to the baking time when reheating.
- Customize Your Fillings: Swap out the chicken for grilled vegetables or spinach for a vegetarian version, or add diced tomatoes for extra color and flavor.
- Homemade Alfredo Sauce: For added depth, whip up a quick Alfredo sauce using butter, heavy cream, Parmesan, and garlic.
Nutritional Information:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Servings: 6–8
- Calories per Serving: ~450 kcal (approximate)
Why It’s Perfect for Any Night:
These Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells strike the perfect balance between creamy comfort and satisfying heartiness. They’re ideal for family dinners, date nights, or even holiday gatherings. Paired with their golden, cheesy tops and rich Alfredo sauce, these shells deliver pure indulgence in every bite.
So gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and get ready to enjoy this creamy, cheesy masterpiece. Your loved ones will thank you! 🍴✨
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