How to Create Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
Are you craving a dish that’s rich, creamy, and full of mouthwatering flavors? Cheesy chicken Alfredo stuffed shells are the perfect dinner idea that will impress your family and friends. It’s a comforting meal that combines tender pasta shells, creamy Alfredo sauce, shredded chicken, and gooey melted cheese. The best part? It’s surprisingly simple to make! Let’s dive into a step-by-step guide on how to whip up this delicious recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cheesy chicken Alfredo stuffed shells have all the things we love: tender pasta stuffed with cheesy goodness, savory chicken, and Alfredo sauce oozing with flavor. It’s great for a cozy family dinner or even to serve guests. Plus, you can make it ahead of time, freeze it, or simply enjoy the leftovers the next day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we get started, let’s round up the ingredients. You don’t need anything fancy—you probably already have most of these in your kitchen!
- Jumbo pasta shells – 20-25 shells (you can adjust depending on portion size).
- Cooked shredded chicken – 2 cups (Rotisserie chicken works well to save time).
- Alfredo sauce – About 2 cups (store-bought or homemade).
- Ricotta cheese – 1 cup (smooth and creamy texture for the filling).
- Mozzarella cheese – 2 cups (shredded, for extra cheesy goodness).
- Parmesan cheese – 1/2 cup (grated, for a rich flavor).
- Fresh parsley – Optional garnish for color and flavor.
- Salt and pepper – To taste.
- Garlic powder – Optional, for added flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready to go when the stuffed shells are assembled. Grab a large baking dish and set it aside.
2. Cook the Pasta Shells
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions. Usually, it takes about 8-10 minutes to soften them. Be careful not to overcook; you want the shells firm enough to hold the filling. Once cooked, drain and rinse with cold water to stop them from sticking together.
3. Prepare the Chicken Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, a pinch of salt and pepper, and a sprinkle of garlic powder (if using). Mix everything together until smooth and creamy. This flavorful filling will make each shell irresistible!
4. Stuff the Shells
Take your cooked pasta shells and gently fill them with a spoonful of the chicken-cheese mixture. Don’t overfill; just make sure each shell has a nice scoop of filling inside.
5. Spread Alfredo Sauce
Pour a layer of Alfredo sauce into the bottom of your baking dish—about half of the sauce. This ensures the shells won’t stick and adds lots of delicious creaminess.
6. Arrange the Shells
Place the stuffed shells in the baking dish, open side up, in a single layer. Be sure they are snug but not overcrowded.
7. Add More Sauce and Cheese
Once all your shells are stuffed and arranged in the dish, pour the remaining Alfredo sauce over the top. Sprinkle the rest of the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly across the shells. If you love an extra cheesy dish, feel free to add more mozzarella or Parmesan!
8. Bake the Shells
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden.
9. Add Garnish
Once baked, take the dish out of the oven and give it a moment to cool. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and extra flavor. You’re ready to serve!
Tips for Success
- Short on time? Use store-bought rotisserie chicken to skip cooking and shredding raw chicken.
- If you prefer homemade Alfredo sauce, try making it with butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese—it’s easier than you think!
- Don’t overcrowd the baking dish. Leave a little space between the shells for even cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Cheesy chicken Alfredo stuffed shells are filling and satisfying on their own, but you could pair them with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal. A glass of iced tea or lemonade makes for a refreshing drink alongside this rich dish.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also freeze stuffed shells prior to baking them. Simply thaw, bake, and enjoy!
Conclusion
Cheesy chicken Alfredo stuffed shells are a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to prepare and full of creamy, cheesy goodness. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or hosting guests, this comforting dish is sure to win hearts (and stomachs!). Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a satisfying meal that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Give it a try, and enjoy the delicious flavors of this homemade goodness!
Let us know in the comments how your stuffed shells turned out. Happy cooking!
