Luscious Creamy Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe You’ll Love

Pasta shells bursting with a velvety chicken alfredo filling send taste buds on a delightful culinary journey.

Creamy cheese and tender chicken create a mouthwatering combination that melts in your mouth.

Every shell promises rich, comforting flavors that dance across the palate.

Baked to golden perfection, these stuffed shells bring restaurant-quality elegance to your dinner table.

Parmesan, mozzarella, and herbs blend seamlessly with succulent chicken pieces.

The aroma promises a decadent meal that transforms an ordinary evening into a gourmet experience.

Prepare to savor each luxurious bite of this irresistible pasta dish.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 600 kcal

Servings: 5

Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells: Ingredient List

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: Larger shells perfect for stuffing, choose fresh and unbroken shells for best presentation.
• Salt: Enhances pasta flavor and helps season cooking water.

• Shredded Chicken: Use rotisserie or leftover chicken for convenience and extra flavor.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy base that adds smooth texture and mild dairy richness.
• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Provides stretchy melting quality and sharp tangy notes.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together and helps maintain filling structure.
• Italian Seasoning: Adds aromatic herb blend for traditional Italian taste.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Delivers concentrated savory undertones.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced flavor profile.

• Butter: Creates rich, smooth foundation for creamy sauce.
• Minced Garlic: Infuses deep, aromatic flavor into sauce base.
• Heavy Cream: Delivers luxurious, velvety texture.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Contributes nutty, complex cheese essence.
• Nutmeg: Optional spice that introduces warm, subtle depth.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Rounds out sauce seasoning.

Get Set with These for Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta shells evenly and creating the perfect texture.
• Mixing Bowl: Crucial for combining chicken, cheeses, and seasonings for the delicious filling.
• Saucepan: Perfect for creating the creamy, rich Alfredo sauce with a smooth consistency.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Ideal for assembling and baking the stuffed shells comfortably.
• Colander: Needed to drain and rinse pasta shells after cooking.
• Cheese Grater: Helps prepare freshly grated Parmesan for maximum flavor.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Important for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Aluminum Foil: Used to cover the dish during initial baking, preventing over-browning.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Helpful for mixing ingredients and stirring sauce.

FAQs

• What makes the chicken filling flavorful?

The chicken filling gets its delicious taste from a blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, mixed with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. These ingredients create a rich, savory mixture that elevates the overall taste of the stuffed shells.

• Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient and tasty option. Simply shred the meat and use it as a quick substitute for freshly cooked chicken. It will save time and add extra flavor to your stuffed shells.

• How do I prevent the pasta shells from tearing?

Cook the shells just until al dente and rinse them in cold water immediately after cooking. This stops the cooking process and helps prevent the shells from becoming too soft and fragile. Handle them gently when stuffing to avoid breaking.

• Is there a way to make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the stuffed shells in advance. Assemble the dish completely, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.

Your How-To Guide for Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

• Boil Pasta Shells

Get a big pot of salted water bubbling. Drop in jumbo shells and cook until they’re perfectly tender. Drain and cool them down with cold water to stop the cooking. Let them rest.

• Whip Up the Filling

Grab a mixing bowl and combine shredded chicken with creamy cheeses. Add an egg and sprinkle in some seasonings. Mix everything until it’s wonderfully blended.

• Create Creamy Sauce

Melt butter in a pan and add minced garlic, letting it dance around until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan until the sauce becomes silky smooth. Season with a touch of nutmeg and salt.

• Build Your Masterpiece

Warm up the oven to a cozy 350F. Spread a thin layer of sauce in a baking dish. Stuff each shell generously with the chicken-cheese mixture. Drizzle remaining sauce over the shells and shower with extra mozzarella.

• Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and continue baking until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

• Serve and Enjoy

Pull out your delicious creation and let it rest briefly. Sprinkle some fresh herbs on top for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Pro Secrets for Making Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Better

• Assemble the stuffed shells a day in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve, making meal planning a breeze.
• Easily substitute chicken with cooked ground turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even crab meat for a delightful seafood twist.
• Use gluten-free jumbo pasta shells or replace shells with zucchini boats for a low-carb alternative that's equally delicious.
• Replace dairy cheeses with cashew-based or almond-based cheese alternatives and use dairy-free cream for a lactose-friendly version.
• Add red pepper flakes to the filling or drizzle hot sauce on top for those who love a kick of heat in their creamy pasta dish.

What Pairs Well with Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

• Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Serve this comforting chicken Alfredo stuffed shells with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal that everyone will love.
• Elegant Appetizer Option: Transform these shells into bite-sized party appetizers by cutting them in half and serving on a beautiful platter with extra Alfredo sauce for dipping.
• Italian-Inspired Side Pairing: Complement the rich dish with garlic bread or roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers to add extra color and nutrition to the plate.
• Wine and Dine Experience: Pair with a chilled Chardonnay or crisp Pinot Grigio to enhance the creamy flavors and create a restaurant-quality dining experience at home.

Stash & Serve Later: Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Tips

• Store leftover chicken Alfredo stuffed shells in an airtight container within the refrigerator. These delicious shells maintain excellent quality for 3-4 days when properly sealed, ensuring tasty next-day meals.
• Wrap individual or entire portions tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil before freezing. Frozen stuffed shells stay delectable for up to 2 months, providing convenient make-ahead dinner options.
• Warm refrigerated shells in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. Add a splash of cream or extra Alfredo sauce to restore moisture and maintain the original creamy texture.
• Divide the recipe into smaller baking dishes before cooking, allowing flexible serving sizes. Single-serve portions make meal preparation easier and reduce potential food waste while guaranteeing fresh, hot servings every time.

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy chicken Alfredo stuffed shells merge Italian comfort with elegant dining. Pasta shells cradle a rich filling of tender chicken, herbs, and velvety sauce, promising a satisfying meal you’ll savor to the last bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 20 jumbo pasta shells
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream (473 ml)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Submerge shells in heavily salted boiling water, cooking until al dente. Drain and rinse with cool water, then spread on a kitchen towel to prevent sticking.
2. Filling Creation: Combine shredded chicken with ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and egg. Season with Italian herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, mixing until thoroughly incorporated.
3. Alfredo Sauce Development: Melt butter in a saucepan, sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Introduce heavy cream, simmer gently, then whisk in Parmesan until achieving a silky, smooth texture.
4. Assembly and Initial Baking: Preheat oven to 350F. Layer Alfredo sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Carefully stuff shells with chicken-cheese mixture, arranging them snugly. Drench shells with remaining sauce and sprinkle additional mozzarella on top.
5. Final Baking and Finishing: Cover with foil, bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and continue baking until cheese turns golden brown and edges become bubbly. Rest briefly after removing from oven.
6. Presentation: Garnish with fresh herbs, creating an appetizing and aromatic dish ready for serving.

Notes

• Pasta Shell Perfection: Cook shells al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking, ensuring they hold the filling without falling apart.
• Filling Consistency Tip: Drain excess liquid from the chicken and ricotta mixture to prevent watery stuffed shells, maintaining a thick and creamy texture.
• Sauce Smoothness Hack: Whisk Alfredo sauce continuously and use low heat to prevent separation or burning, creating a silky-smooth sauce that coats the shells evenly.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the dish up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, allowing flavors to intensify and making meal prep easier.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 25 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg