Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

$To create the best Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells, gather these main ingredients: - 20 jumbo pasta shells - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients blend together to create a rich and creamy dish that everyone loves. You can switch out some ingredients if needed. Here are some options: - Instead of ricotta, use cottage cheese for a lighter filling. - Swap shredded chicken for cooked turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian option. - Use a different cheese, like cheddar, if mozzarella isn't your favorite. - If you want more flavor, add sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the mix. These substitutions can help you customize the dish to your taste. Here’s a quick look at the nutrition for one serving of Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells (based on 6 servings): - Calories: 460 - Protein: 30g - Carbohydrates: 40g - Fat: 22g - Fiber: 2g This meal offers a good balance of protein and carbs, ideal for a hearty dinner. Always adjust the recipe based on your dietary needs. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, cook the jumbo pasta shells as the package says. Make sure to cook them until they are al dente. This means they should be firm but not hard. Once cooked, drain the shells and let them cool for a few minutes. This cooling step helps you handle them easily later. In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken and ricotta cheese. Add half of the mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese. Next, sprinkle in the garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Add salt and pepper to suit your taste. Use a fork or spoon to mix all the ingredients well. You want a nice, even blend of flavors. Now it’s time to fill the shells. Take each cooked shell and spoon in the chicken and cheese mix. Place the filled shells in a baking dish, with the open side facing up. After stuffing all the shells, pour the Alfredo sauce over them. Make sure each shell gets a good amount. Then, top the shells with the rest of the mozzarella cheese. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes. Look for bubbly, golden cheese on top. Once done, take the dish out and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your meal! To cook pasta shells well, start with a big pot of water. Add a pinch of salt for taste. Boil the water before adding the shells. Cook them until they are al dente, which means firm but not hard. This usually takes about 9 to 11 minutes. Drain the shells, but don’t rinse them. Rinsing can wash away the starch that helps the sauce stick. When stuffing the shells, use a spoon or a small scoop. This helps fill each shell evenly. Don’t overstuff them, or they may burst in the oven. Place the filled shells in the baking dish with the opening facing up. This way, the sauce can soak into the shells and add more flavor. To boost the taste of your Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells, use fresh herbs. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor. You can also mix in some garlic powder and Italian seasoning. These spices make the filling taste rich and savory. If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes for a kick! Pro Tips Tip 1 - Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh chicken and high-quality cheeses. Fresh ingredients enhance the overall taste of the dish. Tip 2 - Customize Your Fillings: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the chicken and cheese filling for extra nutrition and flavor. Tip 3 - Make Ahead: You can prepare the stuffed shells a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate them, then bake when ready to serve. Tip 4 - Crisp the Top: For an extra crispy top, broil the stuffed shells for a couple of minutes after baking. Just keep an eye on them to prevent burning! {{image_2}} You can make your Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells even better by adding veggies. Spinach, broccoli, or zucchini work great. Just chop them finely and mix them into the chicken and cheese filling. This adds color and nutrients. You can also sauté the veggies first for extra flavor. A mix of vegetables can make each bite interesting and tasty. While Alfredo sauce is classic, you can switch it up. Try using a marinara sauce for a zesty twist. A creamy pesto sauce can add a fresh taste. You can even mix Alfredo with a bit of marinara for a unique flavor. Each sauce will change the dish, making it fun to experiment. You don’t have to stick with chicken. Ground turkey or beef can work well too. For a lighter option, use shredded rotisserie chicken. If you want something vegetarian, use mushrooms or lentils. Each protein will give a different taste and texture, so feel free to be creative. To store leftovers, wait until the Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells cool down. Then, place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This way, you won't forget when you made them. When you're ready to eat the leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the shells in a baking dish. Cover them with foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 20 minutes. If you want a crispy top, remove the foil for the last five minutes. You can also use a microwave. Heat on medium for 2-3 minutes, or until warm. You can freeze Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells for later. After you stuff the shells, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. Once firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They can last up to two months. When you're ready to cook, bake them straight from the freezer. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. Yes, you can prepare Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells ahead of time. This dish is great for meal prep. You can stuff the shells and place them in the baking dish. Then, cover them and store in the fridge. Bake them when you are ready to eat. Just remember to add a bit more time in the oven if they are cold. Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells pair well with many sides. Here are some tasty options: - Garlic bread for a crunchy side. - A fresh green salad for color. - Steamed vegetables for added nutrition. - Sautéed spinach for a healthy touch. These sides will make your meal feel complete and balanced. Absolutely! You can use different cheeses in this recipe. If you want a sharper taste, try cheddar cheese. For a creamier texture, use cream cheese. Just make sure to keep the same amount. Feel free to mix cheeses for extra flavor! In this post, we explored how to make Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells from start to finish. We covered the main ingredients, preparation, and baking steps. Tips for cooking and stuffing pasta shells helped you improve your dish. Variations let you get creative with flavors and ingredients. For the best results, don’t skip the storage tips! Enjoy making this dish your own, and remember that cooking should be fun and tasty. Happy cooking!$

Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

Delicious jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy chicken and cheese mixture, topped with Alfredo sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 35

Total Time 55

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Ingredients

20 pieces jumbo pasta shells
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups Alfredo sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
to taste Salt and pepper
for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Fill each cooked jumbo shell with the chicken and cheese mixture. Place the stuffed shells in a baking dish, opening side up.
Pour the Alfredo sauce evenly over the filled shells, ensuring they are fully covered.
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top of the shells.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Garnish with fresh parsley for added flavor.

Keyword alfredo, chicken, pasta, stuffed shells