There’s just something about pasta dishes that wraps you in a cozy blanket of comfort, don’t you think? One of my absolute favorites is chicken alfredo stuffed shells. They’re creamy, satisfying, and absolutely bursting with flavor. I remember the first time I served these at a family gathering; the kids went wild, and even the adults couldn’t get enough! The combination of tender jumbo shells filled with a rich chicken and cheese mixture, all smothered in luscious Alfredo sauce, makes for a meal that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly easy to prepare. Trust me, once you try these stuffed shells, they’ll quickly become a go-to recipe in your kitchen!
Ingredients List
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup ricotta cheese, packed
- 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 Instructions
Making chicken alfredo stuffed shells is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious, comforting meal ready in no time.
Preheat and Cook the Shells
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for getting those stuffed shells perfectly baked! While that’s heating up, go ahead and cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions. Usually, it takes about 8-10 minutes to get them al dente. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once they’re done, drain them carefully and set them aside to cool a bit. You don’t want to burn your fingers while stuffing!
Prepare the Filling
Now, let’s whip up that mouthwatering filling! In a large mixing bowl, combine your shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. You’ll want to taste and adjust the seasoning here—this is what makes the filling burst with flavor, so don’t skip this step!
Stuff the Shells
Take those cooled pasta shells and gently stuff each one with the chicken mixture. I like to use a spoon, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even use a piping bag! Make sure each shell is generously filled; you want that creamy goodness in every bite.
Assemble and Bake
Next up, it’s time to assemble! Spread half of the Alfredo sauce on the bottom of a baking dish, creating a nice base. Place the stuffed shells in the dish, then pour the remaining Alfredo sauce over the top. Don’t be shy with it! Finally, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese all over. Pop the dish in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until everything is heated through and bubbly. You’ll know they’re ready when the cheese is golden and your kitchen smells like heaven!
Tips for Success
To make your chicken alfredo stuffed shells even more delicious, I’ve got a few pro tips for you! First, using leftover chicken can save you tons of time; it’s a great way to repurpose that roasted chicken from last night’s dinner. If you want to sneak in some extra nutrition, consider adding cooked spinach or steamed broccoli to the filling. Just chop them up finely so they blend in nicely! Oh, and don’t forget to taste your filling before stuffing the shells—seasoning is key! Lastly, if you love a little crunch, toss some breadcrumbs on top before baking for an extra layer of texture. Trust me, these tips will take your dish to the next level!
Variations
One of the best things about chicken alfredo stuffed shells is how easily you can customize them! If you’re a cheese lover like me, try swapping in different cheeses; a blend of provolone and fontina adds a lovely twist. For an herby flavor, sprinkle in some fresh basil or parsley into the filling. Feeling adventurous? Toss in some sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers for added depth. And if you want to sneak in more veggies, finely chopped spinach or steamed broccoli works wonders without overpowering the dish. Seriously, the options are endless, so feel free to get creative and make these stuffed shells your own!
Nutritional Information
The nutritional values for chicken alfredo stuffed shells are approximately estimated per serving (2 stuffed shells). You’ll find about 450 calories, with 20g of fat, 30g of protein, and 45g of carbohydrates. It also contains around 3g of sugar and 800mg of sodium. Keep in mind these values can vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes, but they give you a good idea of what to expect from this creamy, indulgent dish!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your chicken alfredo stuffed shells experience, serve them with a side of warm, crusty garlic bread—it’s perfect for soaking up that delicious Alfredo sauce! A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette also pairs wonderfully, adding a nice crunch and balance to the meal. You could even throw in some roasted vegetables for extra color and nutrition. Trust me, these sides will take your dinner to the next level!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making chicken alfredo stuffed shells? No worries, I’ve got answers! One common question is about cooking time; if you’re using frozen stuffed shells, you’ll need to increase the baking time to about 40-45 minutes. Just make sure they’re heated through and bubbling! If you’re out of ricotta, you can substitute it with cottage cheese or even cream cheese, but keep in mind the flavor will change a bit. As for storage, these shells can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best results, but you can also use the microwave if you’re in a hurry. Enjoy your cooking adventures!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick prep time makes it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Creamy, rich texture that’s simply irresistible.
- Filling and satisfying, it’ll keep everyone happy and full.
- Family-friendly dish that kids and adults both adore.
Trust me, once you serve these chicken alfredo stuffed shells, they’ll be a favorite at your table!
For more delicious pasta recipes, check out Creamy Chicken Pasta or Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells.
For more information on the health benefits of chicken, visit Healthline.
Print
Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells: 5 Secrets to Delightful Flavor
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious pasta dish filled with chicken and creamy Alfredo sauce.
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook jumbo shells according to package instructions; drain.
- In a bowl, mix chicken, ricotta, mozzarella, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff each shell with the chicken mixture.
- Spread half of the Alfredo sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Place stuffed shells in the dish and top with remaining Alfredo sauce.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until heated through.
Notes
- Use leftover chicken for quicker preparation.
- Can substitute Alfredo sauce with homemade version.
- Add vegetables like spinach or broccoli for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed shells
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken alfredo, stuffed shells, pasta
