Ah, pasta! There’s just something about it that wraps you in a warm hug, right? And when you combine that with the creamy goodness of chicken Alfredo, you’ve hit the comfort food jackpot! My absolute favorite version of this dish is *chicken alfredo stuffed shells*. Imagine large pasta shells filled to the brim with tender shredded chicken, ricotta, and a sprinkle of Italian flavors, all drenched in rich Alfredo sauce—it’s heavenly! I remember making this dish for a family gathering, and watching everyone’s faces light up as they took their first bite. Trust me, this recipe will become a cherished favorite in your home too!
Ingredients for Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
To make these delightful chicken alfredo stuffed shells, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that come together to create a comforting meal. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 12 large pasta shells
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (feel free to use rotisserie chicken for ease!)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade, your choice!)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
These ingredients blend beautifully to create layers of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds!
How to Prepare Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
Now, let’s dive into the fun part—making these delicious chicken alfredo stuffed shells! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a comforting dish that’s sure to impress.
Preheat and Cook the Pasta
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Meanwhile, cook the large pasta shells according to the package instructions—usually about 8-10 minutes until they’re al dente. Don’t overcook them; you want them to hold their shape for stuffing later! Once they’re done, drain the shells and set them aside to cool.
Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of mozzarella, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Give it a good stir until everything is well blended. This is where the magic happens, so don’t skimp on mixing! Taste the filling and season with salt and pepper to your liking—trust me, it makes a difference!
Stuff the Shells
Now comes the fun part—stuffing those shells! Take each cooled pasta shell and gently spoon the chicken mixture inside, filling them generously but not overstuffing (you don’t want them to burst!). If you find it tricky, you can use a small spoon or even your fingers to help. Just be patient; it’s totally worth it!
Assemble and Bake
To assemble, spread half of the Alfredo sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells snugly in the dish and pour the remaining Alfredo sauce over the top. Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese generously over everything—this is where you’ll get that lovely golden crust! Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving, and get ready for the oohs and aahs!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These *chicken alfredo stuffed shells* are not just a meal; they’re a celebration of flavor and comfort! Here’s why you’ll absolutely adore them:
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich and creamy, delivering that classic Alfredo goodness in every bite.
- Family-friendly, satisfying even the pickiest eaters.
- Can be made ahead of time and baked when you’re ready to eat.
- Versatile—customize with your favorite cheeses or add veggies for extra nutrition!
Tips for Success
To ensure your *chicken alfredo stuffed shells* turn out perfectly, here are some handy tips! First, if you’re short on time, using rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver—just shred it and you’re good to go! If you want to switch things up, feel free to mix different cheeses; a bit of cheddar or fontina can add a fun twist! Also, when cooking the pasta, be sure to keep an eye on it—overcooked shells can fall apart during stuffing. Finally, don’t skip the resting time after baking; letting them cool for a few minutes helps the flavors meld beautifully!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftovers (which I doubt will be the case, but just in case!), let the stuffed shells cool completely before storing them. Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll keep for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also pop them in the microwave, but I recommend the oven for that perfect bubbly, cheesy texture!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose. This recipe for *chicken alfredo stuffed shells* serves about 4 people, with each serving containing approximately 450 calories. Always check your labels for the most accurate information!
FAQ About Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
Got questions about these delicious *chicken alfredo stuffed shells*? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I often hear:
Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?
Absolutely! You can easily swap in turkey, shrimp, or even a mix of vegetables for a vegetarian version.
Can I prepare these stuffed shells ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the shells and refrigerate them for up to a day before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re cold from the fridge.
What if I don’t have Alfredo sauce?
No problem! You can make a quick cream sauce with butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese, or use a store-bought version if you’re pressed for time.
How do I make these gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free pasta shells and ensure your Alfredo sauce is gluten-free. It’s that easy!
Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells: 5 Comforting Secrets Revealed
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Chicken Alfredo stuffed shells are pasta shells filled with creamy chicken and cheese, topped with Alfredo sauce.
Ingredients
- 12 large 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 the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup mozzarella, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff each pasta shell with the chicken mixture.
- Spread half of the Alfredo sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.
- Place the stuffed shells in the dish and cover with remaining Alfredo sauce.
- Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Substitute any cheese as desired.
- Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: chicken alfredo stuffed shells
