Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

Why Make This Recipe

Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are a delightful and comforting dish that combines the flavors of creamy Alfredo sauce with tender pasta and juicy chicken. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a delicious meal. The large pasta shells are not only fun to eat but also make for a beautiful presentation. Plus, they are easy to prepare, making this recipe great for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike.

How to Make Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

Ingredients

To make Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells, you will need the following ingredients:

• Jumbo pasta shells
• Ricotta cheese
• Shredded chicken (cooked)
• Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• Parmesan cheese (grated)
• Heavy cream
• Garlic (minced)
• Butter
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your oven is hot and ready for baking once you finish preparing the dish.

2. Cook the Pasta Shells: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water, and then cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until they are al dente. This means they should be firm when bitten but not hard. Drain the shells and set them aside to cool slightly.

3. Prepare the Creamy Sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic until it becomes fragrant, which should take about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will turn it bitter.

4. Add the Cream: Stir in the heavy cream, along with the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Continue to cook this mixture, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. This should take around 5-7 minutes. The creamy sauce will add richness to the stuffed shells.

5. Combine the Filling Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded chicken, half of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the grated parmesan. Mix well until all ingredients are fully combined. This will create a flavorful filling that will be packed inside the pasta shells.

6. Stuff the Pasta Shells: Take each cooked pasta shell and carefully fill it with the ricotta and chicken mixture. Do this gently, so the shells don’t break. Use a spoon or a piping bag to make the stuffing process easier.

7. Prep the Baking Dish: Spread half of the creamy garlic sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. This will help prevent the stuffed shells from sticking and add flavor.

8. Arrange the Stuffed Shells: Place the stuffed pasta shells in the baking dish, open side up. Make sure they are arranged in a single layer. Pour the remaining creamy garlic sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are well-coated.

9. Add More Cheese: Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top of the shells. This will create a deliciously cheesy crust.

10. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You want the shells to be bubbly and golden on the top. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to ensure they do not overcook.

11. Let Cool: After baking, remove the dish from the oven. Allow the stuffed shells to cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the cheesy filling set a little, making them easier to serve.

How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

When serving Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells, you can plate them individually or serve directly from the baking dish. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for added color and flavor. You can also offer a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad to complete the meal. This dish pairs well with a glass of white wine or a crisp iced tea.

How to Store Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

If you have leftovers, storing Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells is quite simple. Allow the dish to cool completely. Then, transfer the shells into an airtight container. You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

If you want to store them for a longer time, consider freezing them. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When properly stored, they can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Tips to Make Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

• Cook Pasta Al Dente: Make sure to cook the jumbo pasta shells al dente. This way, they hold their shape when you stuff them and bake.

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: For convenience, you can use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own. Just shred it and add it to the ricotta mixture.

• Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix up the cheeses based on your preference. You might try adding more types of cheese like pepper jack for extra spice or feta for a tangy flavor.

• Add Vegetables: For a more balanced meal, consider adding spinach or broccoli to the ricotta filling. This not only adds nutrients but also enhances the flavor.

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the stuffed shells ahead of time and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This makes it an easy dish to serve when entertaining guests.

Variation

• Meat Lovers Version: If you want to make this a meat lover’s dish, you can add cooked sausage or ground beef to the ricotta filling. This adds a heartier flavor.

• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and increase the amount of ricotta cheese, using additional vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a filling that is equally satisfying.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of pasta?
   Yes, while jumbo shells work best for stuffing, you can also use manicotti or even lasagna noodles, folded and filled.

2. How do I prevent stuffed shells from breaking?
   Ensure to be gentle while stuffing the shells and cook them al dente. Also, slightly cooling them before stuffing can help maintain their shape.

3. Can I make Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells in advance?
   Absolutely! You can prepare them a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they go in cold.

4. What should I serve with Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells?
   A simple side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables make excellent accompaniments.

5. Can I reheat leftovers?
   Yes, you can reheat leftovers in the oven or microwave. If using the oven, cover with foil to keep them moist and bake at a low temperature until warmed through.

With this straightforward recipe and the helpful tips provided, Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells will surely become a favorite in your home. Enjoy making this creamy, cheesy, and satisfying dish that brings comfort to any table!

Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

Print Recipe

Delightful and comforting Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells filled with creamy ricotta, tender chicken, and topped with rich Alfredo sauce.

• Author: lila-monroe
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Ingredients

• Jumbo pasta shells
• Ricotta cheese
• Shredded chicken (cooked)
• Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• Parmesan cheese (grated)
• Heavy cream
• Garlic (minced)
• Butter
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the pasta shells: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add salt. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Prepare the creamy sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
4. Add the cream: Stir in heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Combine the filling ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded chicken, half of mozzarella, and half of the parmesan. Mix until well combined.
6. Stuff the pasta shells: Fill each cooked pasta shell with the ricotta and chicken mixture.
7. Prep the baking dish: Spread half of the creamy garlic sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
8. Arrange the stuffed shells: Place the stuffed shells in the baking dish open side up and pour the remaining creamy sauce over them.
9. Add more cheese: Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top.
10. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
11. Let cool: Remove from the oven and let the shells cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve with garlic bread or a fresh salad.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: Chicken Alfredo, Stuffed Shells, Italian Pasta, Comfort Food