Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

Tender jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy, cheesy chicken Alfredo mixture, then baked until golden and bubbling—these Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells offer a comforting twist on classic Italian flavors. This dish combines the richness of homemade Alfredo sauce with the satisfying texture of pasta and protein-packed chicken for a meal that is as hearty as it is delicious.

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Baking the shells allows the sauce to thicken and the mozzarella topping to reach a perfect bubbly consistency. Every shell is packed with a savory mixture of shredded chicken and garlic-infused cheeses, making it a standout main course for any dinner table.

Ingredients

• 16 jumbo pasta shells
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
• 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.

Step 2

Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, parsley, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Step 4

For the Alfredo sauce, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth and thickened. Season with nutmeg (if using), salt, and pepper.

Step 5

Spread 1/2 cup of the Alfredo sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Step 6

Fill each cooked pasta shell with about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture and arrange them in the dish.

Step 7

Pour the remaining Alfredo sauce evenly over the filled shells.

Step 8

Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for topping.

Step 9

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.

Step 10

Let cool for 5 minutes before garnishing with parsley and serving.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For a quick shortcut on busy nights, you can use a high-quality store-bought Alfredo sauce. Additionally, using a rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked turkey is a great way to save time on preparation while keeping the dish delicious.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can easily add extra nutrition and flavor by mixing sautéed spinach or mushrooms into the chicken filling. For a different twist, experiment with various herbs or slightly adjust the cheese ratios to suit your preference.

Serviervorschläge

Serve these rich and creamy shells alongside a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired meal. A chilled glass of white wine also complements the heavy cream and Parmesan flavors beautifully.

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These Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, delivering the perfect balance of creamy sauce and savory chicken. Gather your family and enjoy this decadent, golden-brown baked pasta dish tonight.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the dish up to 8 hours ahead. Cover with foil and refrigerate, then bake when ready. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

→ What type of chicken works best?

Cooked chicken breast is ideal for a lighter filling. Rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut, or you can use cooked turkey for a variation.

→ How do I prevent the sauce from breaking?

Keep the heat at medium and whisk the Parmesan cheese in gradually. Avoid boiling the cream, as high heat can cause the sauce to separate.

→ Can I add vegetables to the filling?

Absolutely. Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers work wonderfully. Add them to the chicken mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.

→ What should I serve alongside this dish?

A crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables complement this rich main course perfectly.

→ Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?

Yes, using store-bought sauce is a convenient shortcut that saves time without compromising flavor.