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To make Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells, gather these items: - 12 large pasta shells - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (plus extra for topping) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Salt and pepper to taste You can swap ingredients if needed. Here are some ideas: - Use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own. - Substitute cottage cheese for ricotta for a lower-fat option. - Use any cheese you like, such as cheddar or provolone. - For a lighter sauce, try a yogurt-based Alfredo. - If you need gluten-free, try gluten-free pasta shells. Each serving provides a hearty meal. Here’s the breakdown: - Calories: 550 - Protein: 34g - Carbohydrates: 46g - Fat: 25g - Fiber: 2g - Sodium: 800mg This dish is rich and filling, perfect for family dinners. Enjoy the blend of flavors and textures in every bite! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by cooking the pasta shells. Boil water in a large pot. Add the shells and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the shells and let them cool slightly. This makes them easier to handle. You want them firm enough to hold the filling but soft enough to chew. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken and cheeses. You will need ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Add garlic powder and Italian seasoning for flavor. Season with salt and pepper. Mix all ingredients until well combined. This filling gives your shells a creamy, savory taste. It’s the heart of the dish. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread 1 cup of Alfredo sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Take each shell and fill it with your chicken mixture. Place the filled shells in the dish, seam side up. Pour the rest of the Alfredo sauce over the shells. Sprinkle extra mozzarella cheese on top for a nice crust. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This allows the cheese to melt and bubble. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley for color. Enjoy your savory chicken Alfredo stuffed shells! To make a great Alfredo sauce, start with quality ingredients. Use heavy cream for richness. If you want a lighter sauce, try half-and-half. Heat the cream over medium heat. Stir in garlic and butter until melted. Then, slowly add Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. The sauce should be creamy and not too thick. Avoid using low-fat products. They can make the sauce watery. Don’t rush the cooking of the sauce. Allow it to simmer gently. This helps the flavors meld well. Be careful not to add too much salt. The cheese is salty enough. If your sauce curdles, it means it got too hot. Lower the heat and whisk it back together. You will need a few simple tools: - A large pot for boiling pasta - A mixing bowl for the filling - A baking dish for the stuffed shells - A whisk for the sauce - A spoon for mixing and filling - Aluminum foil for baking These tools make the process easier and more fun. Having everything ready helps you cook without stress. Pro Tips Choose the Right Pasta Shells: Opt for large pasta shells that can hold a generous amount of filling. Jumbo shells are ideal for this recipe to ensure maximum flavor in every bite. Make It Ahead: Prepare the stuffed shells in advance and store them in the refrigerator. They can be assembled a day ahead and baked when you're ready to serve, making for an easy weeknight meal. Customize Your Filling: Feel free to add vegetables such as spinach or mushrooms to the filling for added nutrition and flavor. You can also experiment with different cheeses for a unique twist. Perfect Your Sauce: If you’re using store-bought Alfredo sauce, consider enhancing it with a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of white wine for a richer flavor profile. {{image_2}} You can easily make these stuffed shells vegetarian. Start by swapping the chicken for spinach or mushrooms. For a hearty mix, use a mix of both. You can also add diced bell peppers or zucchini for extra veggies. Ricotta and mozzarella remain great choices for filling. These swaps keep the dish creamy and flavorful. If you like heat, add some spice to the filling. Try stirring in diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. These ingredients give the dish a nice kick. For a smoky flavor, add some chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. These changes can transform your stuffed shells into a zesty delight. While Alfredo sauce is classic, you can experiment with others. Try a marinara sauce for a fresh twist. A pesto sauce can also add a vibrant flavor. You can mix sauces too. A blend of Alfredo and marinara brings creaminess and tang. These options let you customize the dish to your taste. You can store leftover stuffed shells in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to cover them well to keep the moisture in. If you can, separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking. You can freeze stuffed shells for longer storage. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe container. You can also wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. They will last up to 3 months in the freezer. Label the container with the date so you remember when you made them. To reheat, you can use the oven or the microwave. If using the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the shells in a baking dish with some sauce on top. Cover it with foil to keep the heat in. Bake for about 20 minutes or until hot. If using the microwave, heat them on medium for 3 to 5 minutes. Stir halfway to ensure even heating. Enjoy your delicious stuffed shells! Yes, you can use store-bought Alfredo sauce. It saves time and is easy. Just choose a brand you like. Look for one that has a creamy texture and good flavor. If you want, you can add some garlic powder or Italian seasoning to enhance the taste. To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta shells. Many brands offer tasty options. Be sure to check the labels for gluten-free certification. Also, check your Alfredo sauce. Some sauces are not gluten-free, so read the ingredients carefully. You can serve many things with Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells. A simple green salad pairs well. You can add garlic bread for a nice crunch. Roasted vegetables also make a great side dish. Choose whatever you enjoy the most! In this post, we covered how to make delicious Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells. We listed key ingredients and substitutions, shared step-by-step instructions, and offered tips to improve your dish. You learned variations for different tastes and how to store leftovers. Now you are ready to create a tasty meal. With these methods, you can impress friends and family. Enjoy your cooking and savor every bite of your stuffed shells!

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells

Delicious stuffed pasta shells filled with a creamy chicken and cheese mixture, topped with Alfredo sauce and melted cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 large 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
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • to taste salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
  • In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
  • Take each cooked pasta shell and fill it generously with the chicken and cheese mixture.
  • Pour 1 cup of Alfredo sauce onto the bottom of a baking dish to create a base layer. Arrange the stuffed shells in the dish, seam side up.
  • Drizzle the remaining Alfredo sauce over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are generously coated.
  • Sprinkle extra mozzarella cheese on top, for a cheesy finish.
  • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
  • Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
  • Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Notes

Feel free to use homemade Alfredo sauce for a richer flavor.
Keyword Alfredo, chicken, pasta, stuffed shells