When you think of comfort food, what comes to mind? For me, it’s the creamy, dreamy delight of chicken alfredo stuffed shells. Imagine pasta shells, plump and waiting to be filled with a luscious blend of chicken, cheese, and alfredo sauce—it’s like a hug in a bowl. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, making your mouth water before the dish even hits the table.
This dish evokes memories of family gatherings where laughter mingles with the scent of baked cheese. Picture my cousin attempting to impress everyone with his culinary skills but ending up covered in flour instead. Chicken alfredo stuffed shells are perfect for cozy nights or when you want to impress guests without spending all day in the kitchen. Get ready for an explosion of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This chicken alfredo stuffed shells recipe is simple yet packed with flavor; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser
- You can customize the filling based on your favorite ingredients or what you have at home
- The visual appeal is stunning, with cheesy layers peeking out from golden-brown shells
- Perfect for dinner parties or just a cozy night in front of the TV
I still remember when I first served this dish to my friends; they wouldn’t stop raving about it for weeks!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Jumbo Pasta Shells: These large shells hold all that yummy filling perfectly; don’t skimp on size!
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Cooked Chicken Breast: Shredded rotisserie chicken works great here; it’s flavorful and saves time.
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Alfredo Sauce: Use store-bought for convenience or homemade for an extra special touch.
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Ricotta Cheese: Adds creaminess and is essential for that classic stuffed shell texture.
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Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Because cheese makes everything better! Use fresh mozzarella if you can.
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Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of this adds a nutty flavor that elevates your dish.
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Fresh Spinach (optional): Adds a pop of color and nutrition; feel free to sneak it in!
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Italian Seasoning: A mix of herbs to enhance all those savory flavors.
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Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning; never underestimate their power!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Kitchen and Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), and get ready to unleash your inner chef. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente; they should be firm enough to hold their shape while being filled.
Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, parmesan cheese, spinach if using, and Italian seasoning. Mix well until everything is evenly coated and deliciously enticing.
Fill the Shells: Take each cooked shell and fill it generously with the chicken mixture. Don’t be shy—stuff those babies! Place them seam-side up in a greased baking dish as you go along.
Add Sauce & Cheese Topping: Pour alfredo sauce over the stuffed shells until they’re swimming in creamy goodness. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese for that gooey finish.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil then bake for another 10 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Serve & Enjoy!: Let them cool slightly before serving—trust me; molten cheese can cause quite a scene! Garnish with fresh parsley or extra parmesan if desired and watch everyone swoon over your culinary masterpiece.
Now that you have all these steps laid out like breadcrumbs leading you straight to deliciousness, it’s time to grab those ingredients and get cooking! After all, who wouldn’t want chicken alfredo stuffed shells gracing their dinner table?
You Must Know
- This chicken alfredo stuffed shells recipe combines creamy goodness with hearty pasta
- It’s a crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests
- Customize with your favorite ingredients for a personal touch and enjoy the delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the shells while sautéing chicken and preparing the alfredo sauce simultaneously. This method saves time and ensures everything is fresh when it’s time to assemble.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chicken for turkey or add spinach for a pop of color and nutrients. Experimenting with different cheeses can also create exciting flavors in your stuffed shells.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through, ensuring that each shell remains creamy and delicious.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use large pasta shells to hold more filling and prevent breakage during cooking
- Ensure your alfredo sauce is not too thick; it should coat the pasta nicely
- Always taste as you go, adjusting seasonings for maximum flavor impact!
Creating chicken alfredo stuffed shells always takes me back to family gatherings where laughter filled the air, and everyone clamored for seconds. Those moments are just as satisfying as the dish itself!
FAQ
Can I make chicken alfredo stuffed shells ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare them a day in advance and refrigerate before baking.
What type of cheese works best in this recipe?
A blend of mozzarella and parmesan provides creamy richness and great flavor.
Can I freeze leftover stuffed shells?
Yes, they freeze well! Just ensure they are stored properly in airtight containers.
Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
Indulge in the creamy goodness of chicken alfredo stuffed shells, a dish that combines jumbo pasta shells filled with savory chicken, rich ricotta, and melted mozzarella, all smothered in a luscious alfredo sauce. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights at home, this recipe guarantees satisfaction and has everyone asking for seconds. Simple to prepare yet bursting with flavor, these stuffed shells are the ultimate comfort food that will warm your heart and home.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente.
- In a large bowl, mix together shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, spinach (if using), and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper.
- Generously fill each cooked shell with the chicken mixture and place them seam-side up in a greased baking dish.
- Pour alfredo sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with parsley or extra parmesan if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
