There’s just something about chicken alfredo stuffed shells that wraps you in a warm, comforting hug, don’t you think? The creamy, rich Alfredo sauce combined with tender chicken tucked inside those giant pasta shells is pure bliss. I remember the first time I made this dish for my family—my brother was home from college, and I wanted to impress him. As soon as he took that first bite, his eyes lit up, and he declared it his new favorite meal! It’s a showstopper for dinner gatherings, but also cozy enough for a quiet night in. Trust me, this recipe will quickly become a cherished staple in your kitchen, just like it is in mine!
Ingredients for Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it’s nice and toasty when your stuffed shells are ready to go in!
- Next, cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions. I usually boil them for about 10–12 minutes until they’re al dente. Don’t forget to drain them and set them aside to cool a bit; you don’t want to burn your fingers when you start filling!
- While the pasta is cooking, grab a large bowl and mix together the shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. This filling is going to be creamy and oh-so-delicious!
- Now, it’s time to fill those shells! Gently take a shell and stuff it with a generous amount of the chicken mixture. Don’t be shy; pack it in there! Place each filled shell in a greased baking dish as you go.
- Once all the shells are stuffed and in the dish, spread half of the Alfredo sauce over the bottom of the dish. This helps keep the shells moist while they bake.
- Carefully place your stuffed shells in the dish, then pour the remaining Alfredo sauce over the top. Oh, that creamy goodness!
- Finally, sprinkle the rest of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top for that melty, bubbly finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and everything is bubbly and delicious. It’s going to smell amazing in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
- Each bite is bursting with flavor, thanks to the creamy Alfredo and tender chicken.
- Filling and satisfying, it’s a dish that keeps everyone at the table happy.
- Great for family dinners or gatherings, it’s sure to impress your guests.
- Leftovers (if there are any!) make for a delicious next-day lunch.
- Versatile enough to customize with your favorite cheeses or veggies!
Tips for Success
- When cooking the pasta shells, make sure to salt the water generously. It enhances the flavor of the shells!
- Don’t overcook the shells; they should be al dente since they’ll continue to cook in the oven.
- For a smoother filling, mix the ricotta cheese well until it’s creamy before adding other ingredients.
- Use a small spoon or a piping bag to fill the shells easily and neatly. It saves a lot of mess!
- Taste the filling before stuffing. Adjust seasonings like garlic powder and Italian herbs to match your preference.
- If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken can be a lifesaver—super convenient and packed with flavor!
- For a crispy topping, broil the dish for the last few minutes of baking to achieve that golden brown finish.
Variations of Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
- Add Veggies: Try mixing in some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers into the chicken filling for a boost of flavor and nutrition.
- Switch Up the Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone, gouda, or even a sprinkle of feta for a unique twist. Each will bring a different character to the dish!
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños to the filling for a spicy kick that’ll wake up your taste buds!
- Pesto Alfredo: Mix some pesto into your Alfredo sauce for a vibrant flavor that complements the chicken beautifully.
- Italian Sausage: Swap out some or all of the chicken for cooked Italian sausage; it adds a savory depth that’s simply irresistible.
- Herbed Variants: Fresh herbs like basil or parsley mixed into your filling can elevate the dish and give it a fresh taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover chicken alfredo stuffed shells is super easy! Just make sure they cool down completely before you tuck them away. Place them in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge; they’ll stay fresh for about 3–4 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or use a freezer-safe container.
When it’s time to enjoy those delicious leftovers, reheating is a breeze! If you’re reheating from the fridge, simply preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), cover the dish with foil (to keep the moisture in), and bake for about 20–25 minutes until heated through. If you’re pulling them from the freezer, let them thaw in the fridge overnight first before following the same reheating instructions. You can also use the microwave for quick reheating—just be careful, as it might not heat evenly. Enjoy that creamy goodness all over again!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
It’s important to note that the nutritional values for these chicken alfredo stuffed shells can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose. While I’ve provided some general estimates, precise nutritional data isn’t provided here. I always recommend checking the labels on your ingredients for the most accurate information, especially if you’re monitoring certain dietary needs. Enjoy your cooking and feel free to adjust the recipe to suit your preferences!
FAQ About Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?
Absolutely! Using store-bought Alfredo sauce can save you time, and there are some really delicious options out there. Just make sure to choose one that you love, as it will play a big role in the dish’s flavor.
Can I make these stuffed shells ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed shells a day in advance! Just fill the shells, cover them with sauce, and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. It’s a great way to save time on busy nights!
What can I serve with chicken alfredo stuffed shells?
These stuffed shells pair wonderfully with a simple side salad or some garlic bread. You could also serve them with steamed veggies for a more balanced meal. The creamy sauce just begs for something to soak it up!
Can I freeze chicken alfredo stuffed shells?
Definitely! Just make sure to wrap them tightly before freezing. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as directed.
How do I know when they’re done baking?
You’ll know they’re ready when the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown. The whole dish should be heated through, so if you poke a shell with a knife, it should feel hot inside. Trust me, your kitchen will smell heavenly too!
Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells: 7 Blissful Bites to Savor
- Gesamtzeit: 50 minutes
- Ertrag: 4 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Glutenfrei
Beschreibung
Delicious stuffed pasta shells filled with chicken and creamy Alfredo sauce.
Zutaten
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Anweisungen
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook pasta shells according to package instructions; drain.
- In a bowl, mix chicken, ricotta, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Fill each shell with the chicken mixture.
- Spread half of the Alfredo sauce in a baking dish.
- Place stuffed shells in the dish and pour remaining Alfredo sauce on top.
- Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste.
- Can be prepared ahead and baked later.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 30 minutes
- Kategorie: Dinner
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: Italian
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 serving
- Kalorien: 450
- Zucker: 2g
- Natrium: 800mg
- Fett: 25g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 12g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 35g
- Faser: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterin: 80mg
Keywords: chicken alfredo stuffed shells
