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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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