Creamy Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe: A Pasta Dream

Creamy pasta shells brimming with chicken alfredo promise a delightful culinary adventure that melts in your mouth.

Rich, cheesy goodness fills each delicate shell with incredible flavor.

Tender chicken mingles with smooth alfredo sauce, creating a harmonious blend of comfort and indulgence.

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and these stuffed shells deliver pure satisfaction.

Layers of cheese and savory chicken make this dish a crowd-pleaser that everyone will adore.

Each bite brings warmth and excitement to the dinner table.

Prepare to savor a meal that transforms an ordinary evening into a memorable dining experience.

Easy Prep For Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

• Boil Pasta Shells

Cook jumbo shells in salted water until they’re perfectly tender. Drain and cool them down with cold water, then set aside for the next exciting step.

• Mix Creamy Chicken Goodness

Combine tender shredded chicken with creamy cheeses, a whisked egg, and a blend of zesty seasonings. Stir everything until it’s wonderfully mixed and ready to stuff those shells.

• Whip Up Velvety Sauce

Melt butter in a pan and dance some garlic around until it releases its magical aroma. Pour in rich cream and sprinkle in cheesy goodness. Stir until the sauce becomes silky smooth and irresistible.

• Build Your Delicious Creation

Warm up the oven and spread a layer of sauce in your baking dish. Lovingly stuff each shell with the chicken mixture, nestling them close together. Drench the shells in remaining sauce and sprinkle extra cheese on top for maximum deliciousness.

• Bake and Enjoy

Cover the dish with foil and bake until everything is hot and bubbly. Remove the foil for a final few minutes to create a golden, crispy top. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve this mouthwatering meal to eager diners.

Tips And Tricks For Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

• Perfect Pasta Performance: Cook shells just until al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dish up to the baking stage and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
• Protein Power Swap: Replace chicken with cooked ground turkey, shredded pork, or plant-based protein crumbles for versatile meal options.
• Low-Carb Love: Swap pasta shells with zucchini boats or large bell pepper halves for a keto-friendly alternative that keeps all the creamy deliciousness.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Use cashew cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan to create a lactose-free version that doesn't compromise on rich, comforting flavor.

How To Serve Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells With Style

• Cozy Family Dinner Night: Gather loved ones around the table and enjoy this comforting chicken Alfredo dish as a hearty main course that sparks conversation and creates memories.
• Elegant Italian-Inspired Plating: Arrange stuffed shells artfully on white plates, drizzle extra Alfredo sauce around edges, and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley for a restaurant-quality presentation.
• Perfect Side Companions: Complement the rich shells with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli, or garlic bread to balance the creamy pasta texture and add nutritional variety.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Select a chilled Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio to enhance the creamy Alfredo sauce, cutting through the richness and providing a refreshing contrast to the cheesy chicken shells.

Smart Storage For Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep your stuffed shells fresh and delicious with these easy tips.
• Quick Refrigeration Method: Store cooled shells in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain shell integrity.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap individual portions or the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Reheating Magic: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. Add a splash of extra Alfredo sauce to maintain moisture and restore the creamy texture.
• Portion Control Trick: Divide the recipe into smaller baking dishes before cooking. This allows you to freeze individual servings, making meal prep and quick dinners a breeze.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 529 kcal

Servings: 7

What Goes In Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

• Jumbo Shells: Select sturdy shells that can hold generous filling without tearing, ensuring perfect presentation and easy stuffing.

• Shredded Chicken: Use rotisserie or freshly cooked chicken for maximum flavor and tender texture.
• Ricotta Cheese: Choose full-fat version for creamy, rich consistency in stuffing.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Opt for low-moisture variety that melts smoothly and creates delightful stringy texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Select freshly grated cheese for intense, nutty flavor profile.
• Egg: Binds filling ingredients together and provides structural integrity.

• Butter: Creates rich, velvety base for Alfredo sauce with deep, comforting flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Ensures luxurious, silky sauce with restaurant-quality smoothness.
• Garlic: Fresh or powdered adds aromatic depth and savory undertone.
• Italian Seasoning: Brings herbaceous complexity with blend of classic Mediterranean herbs.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Enhance overall taste and balance dish's richness.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides bright, fresh garnish with vibrant color and subtle herbaceous note.

Gear For Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta shells evenly and perfectly.
• Colander: Needed to drain and rinse pasta shells after cooking.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining chicken and cheese filling ingredients.
• Saucepan: Crucial for preparing creamy Alfredo sauce with smooth consistency.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Ideal for assembling and baking stuffed shells.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring sauce and mixing ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helps ensure accurate ingredient quantities.
• Cheese Grater: Optional, useful if using fresh Parmesan or mozzarella.
• Foil: Needed to cover dish during initial baking stage.

Dreamy Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Homemade chicken alfredo stuffed shells bring creamy Italian comfort to dinner tables everywhere. Jumbo pasta shells packed with tender chicken and rich cheese create a satisfying meal perfect for family gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz (340 g) 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
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Bring a well-salted pot of water to a rolling boil. Immerse jumbo pasta shells, cooking until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent further cooking, then set aside to cool.
2. Filling Creation: Combine shredded chicken, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and seasonings in a mixing bowl. Blend thoroughly until ingredients meld into a smooth, cohesive filling.
3. Sauce Crafting: In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté garlic until aromatic. Gradually pour in heavy cream, whisking constantly. Integrate Parmesan and seasonings, stirring until the sauce reaches a luxurious, velvety consistency.
4. Assembly and Baking: Preheat oven and spread a thin layer of Alfredo sauce in a baking dish. Carefully stuff each pasta shell with the chicken mixture, arranging them snugly. Pour remaining sauce over the shells, optionally sprinkling additional cheese on top.
5. Final Touches: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake until thoroughly heated. Uncover for the final minutes to allow the cheese to develop a golden, slightly crisp exterior. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while steaming hot.

Notes

• Prevent Shell Breakage: Undercook shells slightly during boiling to maintain structure, as they’ll continue cooking in the oven and prevent potential tearing.
• Achieve Creamy Consistency: Whisk Alfredo sauce constantly to prevent separation and ensure a smooth, velvety texture without lumps.
• Balance Moisture Levels: Pat chicken dry before mixing to prevent excess liquid that could make the filling watery and compromise the dish’s overall texture.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for lighter version, use gluten-free pasta shells for celiac-friendly option, or replace chicken with plant-based protein for vegetarian adaptation.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 529
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 682 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg