Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

There’s something truly heartwarming about the comforting flavors of Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells. Picture this: a chilly evening, the aroma of melting cheese and creamy sauce wafting through the kitchen, and you’re preparing a dish that’s not only satisfying but also incredibly inviting. This recipe has been a family favorite during cozy dinners and special occasions alike. It brings everyone together—friends and family alike, gathering around the table, excited to dive into a hearty meal that warms the soul. The combination of tender jumbo shells filled with a rich blend of shredded chicken, creamy ricotta, and flavorful herbs, bathed in a luscious alfredo sauce, is simply irresistible. Each bite is a delightful explosion of flavors that reminds us of home-cooked love. I can almost hear the laughter and chatter as we pass around these delicious stuffed shells, reinforcing the feeling of togetherness that we cherish during meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

The key to creating the perfect Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells lies in the quality and harmony of the ingredients. Each component plays a vital role, from the rich creaminess of the alfredo sauce to the heartiness of the chicken and the comforting pasta shells. With fresh herbs bringing brightness and flavor, these ingredients come together beautifully to create a dish that’s both satisfying and delicious.

• 1/2 cup salted butter: The foundation of a rich alfredo sauce; it adds depth and creaminess.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Essential for achieving that luscious, velvety texture in the sauce.
• 1 1/2 cups parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for the best flavor; it gives a beautiful sharpness to the sauce.
• 2 cloves garlic: Minced to infuse the sauce with aromatic flavor.
• Salt & ground black pepper: To taste; essential for seasoning the dish effectively.
• 1 cup chicken: Cooked and shredded; provides a hearty element and protein.
• 2 eggs: Beaten; acts as a binder in the filling.
• 2 cups spinach: Frozen and drained; adds nutrition and a pop of color.
• 1 cup ricotta cheese: Creamy base for the filling; adds richness.
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese: Shredded for that gooey, melty texture that everyone loves.
• 1 cup parmesan cheese: Grated; sprinkled on top for an extra cheesy finish.
• 1/4 cup parsley: Fresh, chopped; brightens the dish with its fresh flavor.
• 1/4 cup basil: Fresh, chopped; adds a fragrant touch to the filling.
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning: For a hint of classic Italian flavor.
• 1 lb jumbo shells pasta: The perfect vessel for holding all the delicious filling.
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese: For topping; makes a deliciously cheesy crust on top.

Instructions for Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

Cooking Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells is a delightful experience that combines all the wonderful flavors into one dish. Follow these simple steps to create a meal that’s sure to impress!

1. Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add a generous handful of salt and the jumbo shells. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook according to the package instructions, typically around 10 to 12 minutes, until the shells are al dente.
2. Once cooked, drain the shells in a colander. Rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together. Set them aside while you prepare the filling.
3. In a heavy-bottomed deep skillet, melt the salted butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is completely melted, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for a couple of minutes until fragrant, stirring to ensure it doesn’t burn.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and stir well, allowing it to combine with the garlic and butter. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Whisk in the freshly grated parmesan cheese gradually, stirring continuously until melted and the sauce is smooth. Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper as desired. Once ready, set it aside.
6. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, beaten eggs, frozen spinach, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated parmesan cheese, herbs, and Italian seasoning. Mix everything together until well combined.
7. Add half of the prepared alfredo sauce to the filling mixture, stirring until it’s evenly distributed throughout.
8. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 baking pan with a little butter or cooking spray.
9. Carefully fill each jumbo shell with the chicken and cheese filling, making sure not to overstuff them. Place the filled shells in the prepared baking pan.
10. Once all the shells are filled, pour the remaining alfredo sauce over the tops of the shells, ensuring even coverage.
11. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese over the shells and place the baking pan in the preheated oven. Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
12. When done, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your hearty Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells hot!

How to Switch It Up

There are many ways to add your personal touch to the Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells. Here are some fun tips to consider!

• Storage: Make sure to store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
• Freezing: You can freeze assembled shells before baking. Just cover them tightly and they’ll last up to three months.
• Pairing: Serve these stuffed shells with a refreshing side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms and zucchini for a delicious vegetarian version.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with different fresh herbs like thyme or oregano for varied flavor profiles.

Serve This Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells With

• Garden Salad: A light, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the stuffed shells.
• Garlic Bread: Crunchy, buttery garlic bread is a classic side that complements the creamy pasta.
• Wine Pairing: Consider a crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing drink choice.
• Occasion: Perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or even a cozy date night at home.
• Meal Prep: These shells can be easily prepped ahead of time and baked when needed, making them a fabulous weeknight dinner option.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are a crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and joy to any table. With creamy ricotta, tender chicken, and rich alfredo sauce, it’s a dish that truly satisfies. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—your family and friends will love it, and you’ll find it’s perfect for any occasion. Gather everyone around, and enjoy a hearty meal that feels just like home.

Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

The ultimate comfort food, Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are creamy, cheesy, and satisfyingly delicious. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or when entertaining guests, each bite is a flavorful delight. Make it tonight and share the joy with your loved ones!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 550

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1/2 cup salted butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups parmesan cheese freshly grated
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• salt to taste
• ground black pepper to taste
• 1 cup chicken any kind, cooked and shredded (think: Rotisserie!)
• 2 eggs beaten
• 2 cups spinach frozen, drained in cheesecloth
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
• 1 cup parmesan cheese grated
• 1/4 cup parsley fresh, chopped
• 1/4 cup basil fresh, chopped
• 1 tsp italian seasoning
• 1 lb jumbo shells pasta
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese for topping

Equipment

• Wooden Spoon
• Mixing Bowl
• Whisk
• Oven
• Large Pot
• Grater
• Skillet
• Frying Pan
• Chef's Knife
• Baking Sheet

Method

 

1. Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add a generous handful of salt and the jumbo shells. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook according to the package instructions, typically around 10 to 12 minutes, until the shells are al dente.
2. Once cooked, drain the shells in a colander. Rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together. Set them aside while you prepare the filling.
3. In a heavy-bottomed deep skillet, melt the salted butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is completely melted, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for a couple of minutes until fragrant, stirring to ensure it doesn’t burn.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and stir well, allowing it to combine with the garlic and butter. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Whisk in the freshly grated parmesan cheese gradually, stirring continuously until melted and the sauce is smooth. Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper as desired. Once ready, set it aside.
6. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, beaten eggs, frozen spinach, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated parmesan cheese, herbs, and Italian seasoning. Mix everything together until well combined.
7. Add half of the prepared alfredo sauce to the filling mixture, stirring until it's evenly distributed throughout.
8. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13 baking pan with a little butter or cooking spray.
9. Carefully fill each jumbo shell with the chicken and cheese filling, making sure not to overstuff them. Place the filled shells in the prepared baking pan.
10. Once all the shells are filled, pour the remaining alfredo sauce over the tops of the shells, ensuring even coverage.
11. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese over the shells and place the baking pan in the preheated oven. Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
12. When done, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your hearty Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells hot!

Notes

• Tip 1: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
• Tip 2: You can freeze assembled shells before baking. Just cover them tightly and they’ll last up to three months.
• Tip 3: A light, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the stuffed shells.
• Tip 4: Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms and zucchini for a delicious vegetarian version.
• Tip 5: Experiment with different fresh herbs like thyme or oregano for varied flavor profiles.

Previous PostChicken Rice

Next Post Chicken Crunchwrap Supreme

Meet Sadie Mitchell

The Mood Catcher I’m our lead photographer, but my camera is just another tool in the kitchen, right next to my knife and whisk! I am obsessed with capturing the feeling of a meal the steam rising off a bowl or the golden light on a loaf of bread. I cook and style every shoot with the team, ensuring that the photo tells you exactly how cozy and delicious the food will taste.