Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my all-time favorite comfort food: *chicken alfredo stuffed shells*! These delightful pasta pockets are filled to the brim with tender shredded chicken and creamy cheese, all enveloped in a luscious alfredo sauce that makes every bite feel like a warm hug. I remember the first time I made them; the aroma filled my kitchen, and I couldn’t help but sneak a taste before they even hit the table! It’s such a simple dish, but it impresses everyone, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. You’ll find that the combination of flavors and textures is nothing short of heavenly. Trust me, once you make these stuffed shells, they’ll become a regular in your recipe rotation!
Ingredients for Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
Alright, here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delicious chicken alfredo stuffed shells! Gather the following ingredients:
- 12 large pasta shells – make sure to get the big ones to hold all that goodness!
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded – leftover rotisserie chicken works like a charm!
- 1 cup ricotta cheese – this adds creaminess and a little bit of zest.
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded – because what’s pasta without a little cheesy stretch?
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated – for that nutty flavor that elevates the dish.
- 2 cups alfredo sauce – homemade or store-bought, just make sure it’s creamy!
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – a little kick never hurt anyone!
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – to bring all those lovely flavors together.
- Salt and pepper to taste – don’t forget to season!
How to Prepare Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
Now, let’s dive into the magic of making these chicken alfredo stuffed shells! It’s pretty straightforward, and I promise you’ll love the process.
Prepping the Pasta
First things first, you’ll want to cook those pasta shells! Boil a large pot of salted water, and cook the shells according to the package instructions until they’re al dente. This typically takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Once they’re done, drain them and give them a quick rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. Set them aside to cool.
Mixing the Filling
While the pasta is cooking, grab a large mixing bowl and combine your shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and creamy. I like to use a fork to really get in there and incorporate all those flavors!
Assembling the Dish
Now for the fun part—assembling! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) if you haven’t already. Take a baking dish and spread about 1 cup of alfredo sauce on the bottom. Carefully fill each pasta shell with the chicken and cheese mixture, then place them seam-side up in the dish. Once all the shells are snug in their bed of sauce, pour the remaining alfredo sauce over the top, making sure each shell is generously coated. Finally, sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese on top for that lovely golden finish. Now, it’s time to pop them in the oven for about 25-30 minutes until they’re bubbly and just calling your name!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content for a serving of these scrumptious chicken alfredo stuffed shells. Keep in mind, these values are estimates, but they’ll give you a good idea of what you’re indulging in:
- Calories: 550
- Fat: 30g
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite with this nutritional info in mind! It’s comfort food, after all!
Tips for Success
To make sure your chicken alfredo stuffed shells turn out perfectly, here are some handy tips! First, don’t overcook the pasta shells; they should be al dente since they’ll continue to cook in the oven. If you can, use homemade alfredo sauce for an extra touch of flavor, but store-bought is totally fine, too! When filling the shells, don’t be shy—pack that mixture in there! And lastly, let the shells rest for a few minutes after baking before serving. This helps the sauce thicken up a bit, making each bite even creamier. Trust me, your family will be raving about this dish!
Variations of Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix things up with these chicken alfredo stuffed shells! For starters, try swapping out the cheeses—pepper jack adds a spicy kick, while goat cheese brings a tangy twist. You can also sneak in some veggies; think sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or even roasted red peppers for added flavor and nutrition. Want to make it a little more decadent? Drizzle some pesto over the top before baking! And if you’re in the mood for something different, try using shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood spin. The possibilities are endless, and I’m all for customizing to fit your taste! Enjoy experimenting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! These chicken alfredo stuffed shells store beautifully. Just let them cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them before baking—just wrap each shell tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed. If they’re already cooked, just reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until they’re heated through. Enjoy the creamy goodness all over again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, creamy flavor that satisfies your comfort food cravings.
- Easy to make with simple, everyday ingredients.
- Perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
- Customizable with your favorite cheeses and veggies.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day!
FAQ About Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
Got questions about these delicious chicken alfredo stuffed shells? I’ve got you covered!
Can I use different types of pasta? Absolutely! While large shells are traditional, you can use any pasta shape you love. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I make them ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble the shells a day in advance and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What if I don’t have alfredo sauce? No worries! You can easily make your own with heavy cream, butter, and parmesan cheese, or just use a bechamel sauce as a substitute.
Are these shells gluten-free? They can be! Just opt for gluten-free pasta shells, and you’re good to go!
Print
Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells: 5 Ways to Savor Comfort
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Creamy chicken alfredo stuffed shells filled with tender chicken and cheese.
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 oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook pasta shells according to package instructions and drain.
- In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, ricotta, mozzarella, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Fill each pasta shell with the chicken mixture.
- Spread 1 cup of alfredo sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Arrange filled shells in the dish and pour remaining alfredo sauce over them.
- Sprinkle parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly.
Notes
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Adjust cheese types to your preference.
- Can be frozen before baking for later use.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: chicken alfredo stuffed shells, stuffed shells, chicken alfredo
