Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

Tender jumbo pasta shells are filled with a creamy, cheesy chicken Alfredo mixture, then baked until golden and bubbling. This dish offers a comforting twist on classic Italian flavors, making it a perfect meal for cozy evenings or family gatherings.

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With a preparation time of 25 minutes and a total time of 55 minutes, this Italian-American main dish serves four and delivers a restaurant-quality experience right at home.

Ingredients

• Pasta: 16 jumbo pasta shells
• Chicken Filling: 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
• Alfredo Sauce: 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
• Topping: 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley for garnish

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 convenient shortcut, you can utilize store-bought Alfredo sauce. If you have leftover turkey or rotisserie chicken on hand, these work perfectly as substitutes for the cooked chicken breast.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can easily enhance the nutritional profile and flavor by adding sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the chicken and cheese filling before stuffing the shells.

Serviervorschläge

This hearty dish is best served alongside a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread to balance the creamy textures of the pasta.

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Each serving provides 610 calories, 38g of protein, and 44g of carbohydrates. This recipe contains wheat, milk, and eggs, so please check labels for allergen safety.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells up to 24 hours in advance. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

→ What type of chicken works best?

Cooked chicken breast is ideal, but rotisserie chicken or turkey are excellent substitutes. Shred or dice the chicken into small, even pieces for consistent filling.

→ How do I prevent the shells from breaking?

Cook pasta until just al dente—slightly firm to the bite. Overcooked shells become fragile. Let them cool slightly before filling to make handling easier.

→ Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?

Absolutely. Store-bought sauce saves time without sacrificing quality. Use about 2 cups total and warm it before layering with the shells.

→ What vegetables can I add to the filling?

Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes work wonderfully. Add about 1 cup of cooked vegetables per batch, adjusting cheese slightly to maintain consistency.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat covered at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Avoid the microwave to prevent uneven heating.