Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Simple and Tasty Dish

If you crave a creamy, cheesy delight, you’ll love Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells. This dish is simple to make and perfect for weeknights or special occasions. Imagine tender pasta shells packed with juicy chicken and rich Alfredo sauce, topped with gooey cheese. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and clever tips to make your new favorite meal. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

- 12 large jumbo pasta shells

- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced

- 1 cup ricotta cheese

- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnishing

- 2 cups Alfredo sauce (can be store-bought or homemade)

- 1 tablespoon olive oil

- 1 teaspoon garlic powder

- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

- Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnishing)

- Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes

- Extra grated Parmesan cheese

- Fresh parsley, finely chopped

Ingredient Substitutions

- You can swap jumbo shells for large manicotti.

- Use shredded rotisserie chicken for easy prep.

- Instead of ricotta, cottage cheese works well.

- Cream cheese can replace some of the ricotta for a richer taste.

- If you want to skip the sauce, a homemade tomato sauce adds a nice twist.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheating the Oven

First, you need to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step gets the oven ready for baking. A hot oven helps cook the shells evenly.

Cooking the Pasta Shells

Next, fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook them according to the package instructions. Make sure they are al dente; they should still have a slight bite. After cooking, drain the shells and lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel. This helps prevent them from sticking together.

Preparing the Chicken Alfredo Filling

Now, grab a large mixing bowl. Combine the shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, and half a cup of the shredded mozzarella. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything well until you have a smooth filling.

Stuffing the Shells

Take a spoon or a piping bag and fill each cooked pasta shell with the chicken and cheese mixture. Be generous but avoid overfilling. You want to ensure the filling stays inside during baking.

Layering and Baking

Spread one cup of Alfredo sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Place the stuffed shells on top, seam side up. Drizzle the remaining Alfredo sauce over the shells to coat them well. Sprinkle the rest of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top and add a light dusting of grated Parmesan. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Once baked, let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells!

Tips & Tricks

Achieving Perfectly Cooked Shells

To make the best stuffed shells, start with the right pasta. Use large jumbo shells. Cook them in salted water until they are al dente. This means they should be firm, not mushy. If they are too soft, they will break when you stuff them. After cooking, drain the shells and lay them flat on a towel. This helps them cool and prevents sticking.

Tips for Making Homemade Alfredo Sauce

A rich Alfredo sauce can elevate your dish. To make it, use butter and heavy cream. Heat the butter in a pan until it melts. Then add the cream and stir. Cook it on low heat. Slowly add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts. For added flavor, mix in garlic powder and a pinch of salt. This simple sauce can taste much better than store-bought options.

Pro Tips for Stuffing Shells

Stuffing the shells can be tricky but fun! Use a spoon or a piping bag for easy filling. Fill each shell generously, but avoid overfilling. If you overstuff, the filling may leak out while baking. Place the filled shells seam side up in your baking dish. Drizzle Alfredo sauce on top. Sprinkle with cheese for a nice finish. These small steps can lead to a perfect meal!

Variations

Vegetarian Options

To make Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells vegetarian, swap out the chicken. Use sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted vegetables. These options add depth and flavor. You can also add extra ricotta or mozzarella for creaminess. This keeps the dish rich and satisfying without meat.

Flavor Enhancements

Boost the taste with fresh herbs. Basil, thyme, or oregano can elevate your dish. For a kick, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the Alfredo. You can even mix in some sun-dried tomatoes. They bring a sweet and tangy flavor that pairs well with creamy sauce.

Alternative Sauces

If you want to switch it up, try different sauces. A pesto sauce gives a fresh and herbal twist. Tomato sauce can add a lively acidity. For a lighter version, use a lemon cream sauce. Each sauce offers a new taste experience while still keeping the dish comforting.

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To store your Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells, let them cool first. Place leftovers in an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to three days in the fridge. Label the container with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Instructions

Reheating is simple! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the stuffed shells in an oven-safe dish. Add a splash of Alfredo sauce to keep them moist. Cover with foil to avoid drying out. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warm throughout.

Freezing Tips

You can freeze stuffed shells too! First, let them cool completely. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Once firm, transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, bake directly from frozen, adding extra time to the cooking process.

FAQs

Can I use regular pasta instead of jumbo shells?

Yes, you can use regular pasta. However, jumbo shells work best. They hold the filling well. You can use penne or rigatoni if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time.

How do I make Chicken Alfredo from scratch?

To make Chicken Alfredo, you need simple ingredients. Start with butter, garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese.

1. Melt 1/2 cup of butter in a pan.

2. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.

3. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir.

4. Add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until smooth.

5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

This method gives you a rich, creamy sauce.

What side dishes go well with Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells?

Many sides pair well with these stuffed shells. Consider a fresh salad with mixed greens. Garlic bread is also a great option. Roasted vegetables add a nice touch too. These sides balance the creamy dish perfectly.

How can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells ahead easily. Stuff the shells and layer them in the dish. Cover with Alfredo sauce and cheese. Wrap it tightly and store it in the fridge. Bake it within 24 hours for best results. If you freeze it, bake it straight from the freezer, adding extra time.

We covered all you need to make Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells. You learned about the ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips. I shared ways to customize this dish and storage advice. Enjoying this meal is easy, whether you stick to the classic recipe or make your own twist. Remember, cooking is about fun and creativity. Now, gather your ingredients and start cooking! You’ll impress everyone at the table.