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Are you looking for a creamy, delicious meal that your whole family will love? Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells are the answer! These giant pasta shells are filled with tender chicken and a mix of cheesy goodness, all smothered in rich Alfredo sauce. In this blog, I’ll walk you through easy steps to make this delightful dish and share tips to customize it for everyone’s taste. Let’s dive in and create a family favorite!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Comfort Food Delight: This recipe embodies all the comforting flavors of classic Alfredo, making it a warm and satisfying dish perfect for any occasion.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly and quick to whip up for weeknight dinners.
- Customizable Filling: You can easily swap in your favorite proteins or vegetables, making this dish versatile and suited to your taste preferences.
- Impressive Presentation: Stuffed shells look beautiful on the plate, making this dish a great choice for entertaining guests or special family meals.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you need for Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells. Each one plays a key role in creating a rich, creamy dish that your family will love.
– 20 jumbo pasta shells
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (plus more for topping)
– 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
– 2 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
These ingredients combine to make a tasty filling, creamy sauce, and a cheesy topping. The jumbo pasta shells hold everything together, making each bite a delight. Whether you use store-bought or homemade Alfredo sauce, you can still create an amazing meal. Feel free to adjust the cheeses or add your favorite herbs to make it your own. Enjoy cooking!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Preheating the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures your dish bakes evenly and thoroughly.
2. Cooking the pasta shells: Boil a large pot of water. Add the jumbo pasta shells and cook them until they are al dente. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes. Drain the shells and place them aside to cool slightly.
3. Mixing the filling: In a big bowl, mix the shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper. Stir everything well until combined. This filling is rich and creamy, perfect for stuffing.
Assembling the Dish
1. Spreading the Alfredo sauce: Pour 1 cup of Alfredo sauce into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it evenly on the bottom. This layer keeps the shells moist while baking.
2. Stuffing the shells: Take each cooked shell and fill it generously with the chicken mixture. Place them in the baking dish, seam side up. Arrange them in a single layer for even cooking.
3. Adding sauce and cheese: Pour the remaining Alfredo sauce over the stuffed shells. Make sure all shells are well covered. Next, sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese on top for a melty, cheesy finish.
Baking Instructions
1. Covering and cooking times: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake the shells for 25 minutes. This helps steam the shells and keep them moist.
2. Final baking and serving preparation: After 25 minutes, remove the foil. Bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Once done, let the dish sit for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious Chicken Alfredo stuffed shells!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Recipe
To perfect Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells, focus on two key areas: pasta texture and filling consistency.
– Ensuring the right pasta texture: Cook the jumbo shells until al dente. This means they should be firm but not hard. Overcooked shells can break when you stuff them. Follow the package directions closely. Once cooked, drain them and let them cool a bit.
– Achieving the ideal filling consistency: Mix your filling well. Combine shredded chicken, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, and Italian seasoning. The filling should be creamy and easy to spoon into the shells. If it’s too thick, add a little Alfredo sauce to loosen it up.
Cooking Tips
Getting the cheese to melt just right is important for a great dish.
– Optimizing cheese melting: Use shredded mozzarella for the best melt. When you top the shells with cheese, cover them with foil for the first part of baking. This traps steam and helps the cheese melt evenly.
– Customizing flavors with herbs and spices: Don’t be afraid to get creative! Add extra herbs like basil or thyme. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick, too. Taste your filling and adjust the seasonings to your liking.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells with simple sides for a balanced meal.
– Ideal side dishes: Garlic bread or breadsticks go well with this dish. They add a nice crunch and soak up the sauce.
– Pairing with salads or bread: A fresh green salad brings a nice contrast to the creamy dish. Use a light vinaigrette for a refreshing touch. You can also serve with steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans for added color and nutrition.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and high-quality cheeses can elevate the flavor of your stuffed shells significantly. Opt for fresh parsley and freshly grated Parmesan for the best results.
- Customize Your Filling: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the chicken mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the stuffed shells a day in advance. Just cover them with foil and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake them, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Perfectly Cooked Shells: Ensure you cook the jumbo pasta shells until they are al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven and avoid becoming mushy.

Variations
Different Fillings
You can switch chicken for other proteins. Try using ground turkey or beef for a new twist. Shrimp also works well if you want seafood. If you prefer vegetarian options, consider using spinach and mushrooms. These ingredients add flavor and texture. You can even use a mix of roasted veggies for a healthy touch.
Alternate Sauces
Making your own Alfredo sauce is easy and tasty. Simply melt butter, add cream, and mix in Parmesan cheese. You can also add garlic for extra flavor. If you want to try different sauces, consider pesto or marinara. Both provide unique tastes that can change the dish completely.
Dietary Adjustments
For gluten-free options, use gluten-free pasta shells. Many brands offer great choices that taste just as good. If you are on a low-carb diet, consider zucchini noodles instead. This change keeps the meal light and healthy. For dairy-free needs, use cashew cream or a dairy-free cheese blend. These options give you creamy richness without dairy.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
After making Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells, you may have some left. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. Place the shells in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Wrap the filled shells tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer.
Reheating Tips
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheating is key. The best method is using the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the shells in a baking dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20 to 25 minutes. This will help keep the shells moist. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Just be sure to cover the dish to avoid dryness. Heat in short bursts, checking often, until warm.
FAQs
Can I prepare Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells ahead of time. You can stuff the shells and place them in the baking dish with the sauce. Cover the dish and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake it straight from the fridge. Just increase the cooking time by about 10 minutes.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
If you need a substitute for ricotta cheese, try cottage cheese. You can also use cream cheese or mascarpone for a richer taste. Just blend them until smooth. These options will still give you a creamy filling.
How long does it take to cook frozen stuffed shells?
Cooking frozen stuffed shells takes about 45 to 55 minutes. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil to keep moisture in. Halfway through, remove the foil to let the cheese brown. Always check that they are heated all the way through before serving.
You now know how to make Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells. We covered the key ingredients, from pasta to cheese. You learned the steps for preparation, assembly, and baking. I shared tips to perfect your recipe and explore fun variations. Don’t forget storage tips and answers to common questions.
Enjoy making this dish for a tasty meal with family and friends! Your kitchen adventures can be fun and satisfying. Now, it’s time to gather your ingredients and start cookin
Creamy Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
Delicious jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy chicken and cheese mixture, topped with Alfredo sauce and baked to perfection.
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 50 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
- 20 pieces jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- to taste Salt and pepper
- for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped
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, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Spread 1 cup of the Alfredo sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Stuff each cooked shell generously with the chicken mixture. Place the filled shells in the baking dish, seam side up, in a single layer.
Pour the remaining Alfredo sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are well covered. Sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese on top.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Once baked, let the dish sit for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley and serving.
Let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving for better presentation.
Keyword Alfredo, chicken, pasta, stuffed shells
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