Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells: Prepare to be amazed! Imagine jumbo pasta shells, overflowing with a creamy, cheesy chicken Alfredo filling, baked to golden perfection. This isn’t just dinner; it’s a comforting, flavor-packed experience that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. I’m so excited to share this recipe with you!

While the exact origins of stuffed shells are debated, the concept of filling pasta with delicious ingredients has been a cornerstone of Italian-American cuisine for generations. It’s a dish that speaks of family gatherings, shared meals, and the simple joy of good food. My version elevates the classic by incorporating the rich and decadent flavors of Chicken Alfredo, a dish itself born from the heart of Roman culinary tradition.

What makes Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of textures and tastes. The tender pasta shells provide a delightful bite, while the creamy Alfredo sauce, infused with savory chicken and a blend of cheeses, creates an explosion of flavor in every mouthful. It’s also incredibly convenient! This recipe is surprisingly easy to make, and it’s a fantastic make-ahead meal for busy weeknights. Plus, who can resist the allure of cheesy, comforting pasta? Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients:

• For the Jumbo Shells:
• 1 (12-ounce) box jumbo pasta shells
• For the Chicken Alfredo Filling:
• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• For the Alfredo Sauce:
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• Optional Toppings:
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Red pepper flakes

Preparing the Jumbo Shells

1. Cook the Pasta: First things first, let’s get those jumbo shells cooked! Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta shells and cook according to package directions, usually around 8-10 minutes, or until al dente. You want them to be cooked through but still firm enough to hold their shape when stuffed.
2. Drain and Rinse: Once the shells are cooked, drain them immediately in a colander. Rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together. This step is crucial! Gently toss the shells to ensure they are well-drained.
3. Lay Out the Shells: Spread the cooked shells out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a clean kitchen towel. This will prevent them from sticking together while you prepare the filling.

Making the Chicken Alfredo Filling

1. Prepare the Chicken: If you haven’t already, cook your chicken breasts. You can bake them, poach them, or even use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut. Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment. Set aside.
2. Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, chopped parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.
3. Add the Chicken: Add the shredded chicken to the cheese mixture and stir until well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. I sometimes add a pinch more garlic powder or Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Crafting the Creamy Alfredo Sauce

1. Melt the Butter: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Be careful not to burn the butter!
2. Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Watch closely so the garlic doesn’t burn, as this will make the sauce bitter.
3. Add the Heavy Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce starts to thicken slightly.
4. Incorporate the Parmesan Cheese: Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese, a little at a time, until it is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Season the Sauce: Stir in the ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want to add a little more Parmesan cheese for a richer flavor or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

Stuffing and Baking the Shells

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Assemble the Shells: Spoon a generous amount of the chicken Alfredo filling into each cooked jumbo shell. Don’t be shy – pack them full!
3. Arrange in Baking Dish: Spread a thin layer of Alfredo sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. This will prevent the shells from sticking and add extra flavor. Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer in the baking dish.
4. Cover with Sauce: Pour the remaining Alfredo sauce over the stuffed shells, making sure they are evenly coated.
5. Add Cheese (Optional): Sprinkle additional grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the shells for a golden-brown crust.
6. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
7. Rest: Let the stuffed shells rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the sauce to thicken slightly and the shells to cool down enough to handle.

Serving Suggestions

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy! These Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a side salad or garlic bread.

Tips and Variations

• Make Ahead: You can assemble the stuffed shells ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
• Freezing: These stuffed shells freeze well. Assemble them in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a vegetarian version.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce or filling for a spicy kick.
• Cheese Variety: Experiment with different cheeses in the filling, such as mozzarella or provolone.
• Herb Infusion: Infuse the Alfredo sauce with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for added flavor.

Troubleshooting

• Sauce Too Thick: If the Alfredo sauce becomes too thick, add a little more heavy cream to thin it out.
• Sauce Too Thin: If the Alfredo sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken.
• Shells Sticking: Make sure to rinse the cooked shells with cold water to prevent them from sticking together.
• Filling Too Dry: If the filling seems too dry, add a little more heavy cream or ricotta cheese.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are truly a dish that deserves a spot in your regular dinner rotation. Why? Because they’re the perfect combination of comfort food and elegant flavors, all wrapped up in a surprisingly easy-to-make package. The creamy Alfredo sauce, the tender chicken, and the perfectly cooked pasta shells create a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave everyone at the table wanting more. Trust me, this isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s an experience! But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! While I’ve shared my go-to recipe, feel free to get creative and make it your own. For a vegetarian option, you could easily swap out the chicken for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. If you’re looking to add a little kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the chicken filling will do the trick. Serving Suggestions: These stuffed shells are fantastic on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a simple side salad. A crisp Caesar salad or a mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette will provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta. For a more substantial meal, consider serving them alongside some garlic bread or roasted asparagus. And don’t forget the Parmesan cheese! A generous grating of fresh Parmesan over the top just before serving elevates the dish to a whole new level. Variations to Explore: Feeling adventurous? Try adding some sun-dried tomatoes to the chicken filling for a burst of tangy sweetness. Or, if you’re a fan of cheese, incorporate some ricotta or mozzarella into the filling for an extra creamy and decadent experience. You could even experiment with different types of pasta shells, although the jumbo shells are ideal for holding all that delicious filling. Another great variation is to bake the shells in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation – perfect for a dinner party! I truly believe that this Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells recipe is a winner. It’s a crowd-pleaser, it’s relatively simple to make, and it’s endlessly adaptable to your own personal preferences. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel good from the inside out, and it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece! I’m confident that you’ll love these stuffed shells as much as I do. And more importantly, I’m excited to hear about your experience! Once you’ve tried the recipe, please come back and leave a comment below. Let me know what you thought, what variations you tried, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. I love hearing from you and learning from your experiences in the kitchen. Sharing your feedback not only helps me improve my recipes but also inspires other readers to try them out. Happy cooking, and bon appétit! I can’t wait to hear all about your Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells success!

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